I don't own K-ON!

Here's chapter 4 :)

Again refer to Season 2: Ep.18 (3:31), Ep.25 (19:33) and the movie (15:30) to know who Saeki Mika is.

Wakaouji Ichigo is in, Season 2: Ep.10 (11:53, 13:05), Ep.17 (5:31, 6:43), Ep.18 (3:28), Ep.22 (13:38), Ep.25 (19:12) and the movie (1:23:34, 1:28:55).

The buzzing cicadas accompanied Ritsu that afternoon as she sat in her chair, alone in their classroom. It's been 3 hours since she found out about Mio's secret, she's calmed down but clearly still mad. Why?...a question that has never left her mind. She leaned back in her chair and stared at the ceiling. Was it because I'm sitting in front that I never noticed anything? How long have they been hiding their relationship from me? Since when?! She wanted to go their clubroom and play the drums but she didn't bring her sticks with her; making her more frustrated.

They easily got close to each other back when we first met Mugi…especially during our first training ca – wait…now that I think about it…yeah, that's right…why are they together most of the time?! Sitting, walking and standing next to each other…the only thing left is for them to hold hands! God! Why didn't I see that?! Then… that means, they've been going out since first year?! No no that's impossible…right? Those times were probably coincidence…right coincidence…but it happened so many times for it to be just coincidence! Argh! Ritsu you're thinking too much.

With nothing to do and no one to talk to, Ritsu found herself remembering every moment she had with Mugi and Mio. And one event got stuck in her mind for a while, the time when they followed Sawako to that family restaurant. 'I'm not interested in love…Rather, light music is like my lover right now…' is what Mio said…tch! That liar…they even sat together that day…'coincidentally'. Eventually, Ritsu got tired of thinking, so she stopped for a while and just listened to the cicadas. Mio lied to me…and chose to comfort Mugi instead of me…she loves her more than me…is that what it means to love? It's not fair. "It's not fair! I don't understand anything!" The door suddenly opened startling Ritsu and stopping her from her thoughts. It was Ichigo, looking emotionless as always.

"I think you're a little too early for the next semester for you to be shouting those words."

"Ichigo…?"

"Yeah…that's my name," Ichigo nonchalantly answered and walked towards her desk, passing by Ritsu's.

Ritsu watched her get some papers from her desk and didn't say anything.

"Do you want something from me?" Ichigo broke the silence.

"Huh? Me? No. Why would you say that?"

"Because the way you're staring at me is like you're waiting for me to do or say something."

"W-What?...No…sorry," Ritsu said and looked away.

Ichigo noticed how troubled the drummer looked and felt a little guilty for being so cold to her. "You look like you really want someone to talk to."

"What? Oh no, it's okay I'm fine."

"Well don't say I didn't give you the chance," Ichigo started to walk out the room with the pieces of papers in hand she got from her desk when she felt her jacket suddenly got tugged. "What? Did you change your mind?"

Ritsu didn't answer and just gave a slight nod.

"It can't be helped then," Ichigo said and took the seat beside Ritsu's desk. "I guess that will explain why you and Mio suddenly disappeared earlier."

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Ritsu still told her what happened – from the very beginning. Ichigo on the other hand, was surprised that the story will start from three days ago, it wasn't evident on her face though. This is going to take some time, Ichigo thought. Despite having things to do in the baton club, she still listened patiently and didn't complain. After half an hour, Ritsu was done with her story, but another half she spent on just ranting.

"Can you believe it Ichigo?! I mean how could the – "

"Stop." Ichigo suddenly interrupted. "If I hear the words lie, liar, betray and traitor again I might go crazy. I've been hearing them over and over again for the past thirty minutes."

"Sorry, but I can't help it…"

"Right. Anyway, from everything you said let me just clarify something. You're mad because Mio lied and kept her relationship with Mugi from you and chose her over you?"

"Yes!"

"OR…is it because your plan on courting Mio so you could fall in love with her again and make her fall for you afterwards and have your very own happily ever after just like Yui and Nodoka failed before you could even start?"

"Huh? W-Well I…"

"OR…is it because Mugi got to Mio first?"

"T-That's…"

"OR…is it all of them?"

"I…uh…"

"So it's all of them huh?"

"What?! I didn't – "

"Well I won't touch the last two reasons, you just need acceptance with those. Now in my opinion, getting mad at Mio is just natural but thinking that she's a liar and a traitor is completely unreasonable, heartless and stupid."

"But she – "

"Yes she lied to keep her relationship with Mugi a secret from you but don't you think she has her reasons as to why she lied? As her childhood friend, I think you, of all people, should understand this the most."

"Well…I…yeah…"

"And it's not as if you never lied to Mio at least once in your life. So stop accusing her as if you're perfect."

"But I'm mad I couldn't help it."

"How long have you been thinking about this?"

"I think 3 hours – "

"Three hours? Just sitting here and pondering? After three 3 hours you didn't even realize that there could be a reason behind Mio's lie? For 3 hours you just kept on condemning your childhood friend?"

"Okay I get it. I'm slow. Besides it's not that easy to forget what she did, it's the worse."

"Your problem is not so hard to solve. You two just need talk it out, does that make sense?"

"Y-Yeah," Ritsu said while rejecting such idea in her head.

"Well then I guess we're done here," Ichigo said but as she was standing up Ritsu stopped her.

"Wait! What happened earlier in the game by the way?" Ritsu asked suddenly remembering it.

"Well – "

"We won didn't we? Mika and the others won, right? Of course they did I mean they're champions after al – "

Ichigo stopped Ritsu in her words by handing her a piece of paper.

"What's this?"

"The score sheet of today's game."

"Oh~ let's see," Ritsu took the paper eagerly. "Now let's see how they di – " Ritsu's excitement suddenly turned into shock in an instant. She reread it so many times making sure she was reading it right. "Hey Ichigo, are you sure this is correct? Maybe you made a mistake."

"How rude. My knowledge in volleyball surpasses yours so that cannot happen."

"But have you seen these – "

"Yes since I'm the one who wrote them."

H-How can this be? 1st Set 25-23 (Sakura), 2nd Set 11-25 (SMA), 3rd Set 4-25 (SMA), 4th Set 18-25 (SMA)…The difference between these scores are too huge, especially in the 3rd set, what in the world happened? These aren't the scores of a reigning champion. It's fine if the scores are close like in the first set but the numbers after that are just insane.

"Like you, everyone wants to know what happened too," Ichigo said.

"B-But they're amazing…I saw them play…and Mika – Mika! The whole team should be able to play well with her in the court giving instructions. Did coach Koga take her out?"

"No. It's the complete opposite. It's because she kept giving the wrong instructions and stopped communicating with the others that coach Koga took her out from the game. And the proof that coach Koga made the right decision is the final score in the 4th set."

She's right. Their score did improve in the last set. "…but it wasn't enough."

"Yes, they probably could've made it if weren't for their morale that dropped so drastically from losing with such embarrassing scores. Because of that they made a lot of errors. Sure Akane and Eri did their best too but without Mika they couldn't do it properly."

"What…? I just don't…I don't understand…this is so horrible," Ritsu said looking very worried about Mika and the others.

"It gets worse."

"What?! There's more?!"

"Yes. Coach Uehara Miyuki suddenly arrived earlier to observe the game."

"Coach Uehara?!...Who's that?"

"Please don't give misleading reactions," Ichigo said sounding a bit irritated.

"Sorry sorry."

"Uehara Miyuki, coach of the Tokyo University Women's Volleyball team, the undefeated champions in the Collegiate Volleyball Tournament for ten years."

"Un-Undefeated…? For te-ten years?"

"Because of that she was made coach of Japan's national team last year."

"Na-National team…," Ritsu took a few seconds to let such information sink in. "Coach Uehara was at the game earlier to observe?!"

"A little late for that kind of response. Anyway, yes she was there to observe. Rumor has it that the Sakura volleyball trio is on her list of players to recruit. Now that she showed up then I guess it's not a rumor anymore."

"When did she arrive?!"

"At the the start of the third set."

"Third set?!" Ritsu looked at the score sheet once again, "But that's their worse set!"

"I know."

"What the heck happened to them?! And for a national coach to see their worst…such a bad timing."

"I have no idea but there's one thing I've noticed though. Mika seemed distracted about something from the start of the second set."

"Distracted?"

"Yes. Plus add the pressure of reaching coach Uehara's expectations from them – it's no wonder they did poorly."

"Where's Mika now?"

"I don't know, probably still in the locker room. I didn't notice her come out of the gym."

Ritsu ran outside the room and hurriedly went to the gym. She didn't know exactly what caused Mika to play so badly but all she knows is she's worried about her and wants to see her. I'm sure she's not doing alright… "Hmm…it looks like she already forgot," Ichigo said to herself after remembering what Ritsu said about Mio.

At the locker room

Ritsu arrived at the gym and was standing outside the locker room. She's quite hesitant to go in – running to the gym without any plan on what to say, I'm not even sure if I'll be able to help her or not. I know I'm able to do it with Yui and the others but Mika is different, I don't know what will make her happy or sad. Maybe this is a bad idea. Ritsu turned around and took a step away from the locker room door. But…, Ritsu turned back around and instantly reached for the knob, whatever I'll worry about the bad things when they happen. She gently opened the door and immediately saw Mika sitting on a bench with a towel over her head. The game ended hours ago, has she been like this since then?

She slowly approached her as if she was invading someone's territory. "Mi-Mika?" Ritsu called out in a low voice but there was no response. "Mika?" she tried again but still nothing. Jeez! What am I doing?! Since when did I become so doubtful with the things I do? Alright! Here I go! She straightened her self and walked into the room. She then slumped down beside Mika finally getting her attention. "Ricchan…!" Mika said after being startled. As a prankster, Ritsu would've felt happy after seeing Mika's surprised expression if it weren't for those teary eyes she has.

"Ricchan…wha…what are you doing here?" Mika asked still a little stunned to see Ritsu, who she thought left hours ago, sitting beside her all of a sudden.

"Ichigo said that you're here so I went here," Ritsu said smiling at her.

"Why?"

"Well I…I heard from Ichigo what happened. I got worried and wanted to know how you're doing sooo…here I am."

"O-Oh…so you know," Mika said and looked back down.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there and cheered for you till the end, even though I said that I would."

"No it's fine," Mika looked at Ritsu and forced a smile. "At least you never got to see how awful I was earlier."

"Don't say that…"

"It's all my fault we lost…"

"Don't say that too."

"I failed as a captain, everyone put their trust in me that I would lead them to victory and I let them down. It was my fault that we lost so horribly…a 4-25 score is probably the most embarrassing score in the whole history of volleyball. Everything is my fau – OW!" a whack on the head stopped Mika from her words.

"Like I said, don't say that."

"But – "

"No buts! I may not know a lot about volleyball but I know that it's a team sport so don't shoulder everything."

"I'm the captain I'm responsible for them. I'm the one who should encourage them and – "

"That's coach Koga's job too, so stop blaming yourself too much."

"Bu – "

"Ah! I said no buts! Come on get changed," Ritsu said and stood up.

"Huh? Where are we going?"

"To get something sweet, my treat. They say if you're down eating desserts is the best way to cheer up. I could probably use some myself."

Does that mean she's down too? Or probably just hungry. Mika smiled and said "Okay."

Ritsu then took her to a café near the station where their specialty is pancake. "Pancake?! Pancakes are my favorite!" Mika said as they stood outside the café. "Oh that's great! Then that means we're at the right place." They went inside and were taken to their seats. Ritsu was happy watching Mika excitingly browse the menu. Thank goodness, it looks like she's feeling better, she said to herself and did not realize that she forgot her own issues as well. After a few minutes they gave out their order to the waiter.

"You sure took your time choosing," Ritsu said.

"I can't help it. Everything looks so good," said Mika feeling excited. "I didn't know there was a pancake café here."

"They just opened last week."

"I see," said Mika while she looked around.

While waiting for their order, a couple celebrating their anniversary came in and took the table near them. "Say, remember when we were kids you used to be so scared of frogs?" "That's your fault! You used to pull pranks on me and I hate you for that." "But after 20 years you said 'yes' to me." "Oh stop it!"

"Childhood friends, huh?" Ritsu suddenly spoke.

"What?"

"Those two, they're childhood friends."

"Oh, it seems that they are." Mika said while watching the couple.

"It's really nice if you're partner is your childhood friend. Yui and Nodoka are so lucky."

"You're right because they know everything about you, they understand you more than other people sometimes even more than your own family. They know your favorites, your likes and dislikes…what makes you happy and what makes you sad. I mean, who wouldn't want that right?" I'm fine like this, it's my fault anyway for falling for her…

"Exactly…," Ritsu's expression suddenly changed which Mika noticed.

Huh? "By the way Ricchan, Akane saw Mio-chan run out the gym earlier, did somethi – "

"Sorry…I don't want to talk about that."

"Ah! S-Sorry!"

"It's fine, look our orders are here."

"R-Right!" So they had a fight huh? I wish I could do something to help.

Ritsu started to talk about something else and tried her best to avoid any topic that could lead to either of their issues – Mika did the same. And eventually finally forgot about those negative subjects. After eating, they both decided to just take a stroll at the park.

At the park

"Ha~that was delicious!" Ritsu happily expressed as they walked.

"I know! Especially the one with dark chocolate chips," Mika said expressing her satisfaction as well.

"Let's go back again sometime."

"Eh?" Did she mean…just the two of us? Mika blushed as she thought about it.

"What's wrong?"

"Ah! Oh nothing. I agree let's go again sometime."

"It's a Sunday and yet there aren't many people around in the park," Ritsu pointed out.

"Oh you're right. Is there some kind of event some…where…," Mika stopped talking when Ritsu also stopped walking and was just looking ahead with the same expression Mika saw when they were at the café. "Ricchan?...What's wrong?" Mika then turned her attention to where Ritsu was looking. That's…Mio-chan with Mugi-chan…hmm? I've never seen them hold hands before.

The four of them were just a few feet away from each other and immediately there was tension between them. Whoa! What's with this heavy atmosphere all of a sudden?

"Ritsu…!"

"Mio…"

Huh? What was that? Did Mugi-chan just try to pull her hand away from Mio-chan?...and it seems Mio-chan didn't let her…but why? Wait what's going on?! Mika looked at Ritsu and saw that she was mad. Her whole body's so tensed…this is the first time I've seen her mad. So this is what she looks like when she's angry, I'm not sure if I should be happy or worried.

"On a lovey-dovey date I see…," Ritsu spoke after a moment of awkward silence between them. "Traitor…"

Lovey-dovey date? Then Mio-chan and Mugi-chan are…?! Wait! What did she mean by 'traitor'?!

"Wait Ricchan it's my fault so – "

"Hell yeah it is!" Ritsu raised her voice at Mugi.

"Ritsu stop it!" Mio said and took a step in front of Mugi. "It's not Mugi's fault, okay? It's mine so please let me exp – "

"I don't need your explanation! You liars!"

This is bad I don't think I should be here…but it's too awkward to even leave now.

"Ritsu tone it down. Let's talk about this some place private."

Yes please! People are looking already…

"What? Are you embarrassed of me now too?!"

"That's not what I meant!"

"Well that's clearly what's happening here!...All this time…that's why you lied to me!"

"Quit making assumptions and just listen to me for just one minute!"

"NO!" Ritsu said then grabbed Mika's hand. "Come on Mika!"

"Eh?!...O-Okay…," Mika said as she was being pulled away by Ritsu.

Ritsu just kept pulling Mika for minutes with no particular destination in mind. As long as it's very far away from them! Eventually, they reached a convenience store and took a seat. Mika didn't speak; she just watched Ritsu breathe so furiously – wondering if it's from walking too much or still from being mad. Just what the heck happened…?

"I'm really sorry you had to see that…," Ritsu finally spoke after calming down a bit.

"I-It's fine…really," Mika forced a smile hoping to convince the drummer that it was really alright. Ugh…I want to ask what happened…

"I guess I should tell you what happened now…"

"HUH?! N-No it's fine! You don't have to force yourself."

"It's okay. After being put in an awkward position..."

"Wait! Let me get us some tea first."

"Thanks," Ritsu said with a smile.

After buying some tea, Ritsu started to tell her the story behind her anger towards Mio and Mugi. She spoke calmly this time unlike when she talked to Ichigo earlier. Mika listened intently and already had some thoughts about it but she let Ritsu finish first. And when she was done Mika finally spoke.

"Well, from what you said I think the only one who's right is…"

"Me?" Ritsu suddenly said.

"No…it's Ichigo."

"Eh?! How? But she's not even involved in our fight."

"She's right when she said that you guys just need to talk it out."

"Then how about the three of us?"

"Neither…"

"What?!"

"Mio-chan and Mugi-chan are wrong for lying to you…you're wrong too for not letting them explain why they lied."

"But…"

"I know it's emotionally painful but do you think Mio-chan didn't even put that into consideration when she was lying to you? You're best friends I'm sure it was hard for her to do that to you."

"I…"

"Besides are you really just going to throw your years of friendship away because of one lie without even giving it a chance to be solved?"

Ritsu didn't speak but she understood what Mika said.

"Well? Are you?" Mika asked again.

"No…but I…I don't want to see her…"

"Then don't."

"What? Then how am I – "

"Don't force yourself if you can't face her yet. Do that when you've calmed down and emotionally ready to listen to her. That way you can have a clear mind to fully understand the situation and where she's coming from."

"I see…you're right. That makes sense, I'll take your advice then."

"Just let her know that you don't want to talk yet, okay?"

"Right! I'll do that now," Ritsu said and then took out her phone.

"Oh don't forget to apologize for yelling at her earlier."

"Eh?!...*sigh* fine."

"Good," Mika said with a big smile feeling very happy that she was able to help her.

"And~…sent! Thanks Mika for the advice, I feel much better."

"It's no problem. You made me feel better too, remember?"

"Well there goes my childhood friend who should be my partner in life."

"Y-Yeah…" It's fine…I'm fine…I'm fine

"Say Mika…," Ritsu started with a serious tone.

"What is it?"

"Is it okay if I asked what happened?"

"What happened with what?"

"With you…"

"Me?"

"Yeah…because I saw you play volleyball and you're, without a doubt, so amazing. Best Setter for two years, Captain of the Year, champions for 5 years…And then when I saw the score sheet Ichigo gave me…"

"Well I…," Mika started to get nervous – she couldn't think of anything to say for Ritsu to drop the topic.

"She said you were distracted by something. I was hoping you'd tell me what it is because maybe I could help…"

God why now?! Just when I forgot I about it…

"Hey…Mika…?"

Calm down…calm down…

"Mika?...Are you okay?"

Excuse…I need an excuse…I…I…

"Mika – "

"…ight…"

"Huh?"

"Ichigo was right...I got distracted…," Mika said looking away.

"With what?"

"With the fact that you…you weren't there…"

"Huh?..."

"When I learned that Mio-chan went out the gym running earlier and then you were still not back when the third set started…I got worried…so I started looking for you in the crowd…while playing…"

Ritsu kept staring at her, she was confused and didn't know what to feel exactly. After a minute she managed to ask, "Why…would you worry that much…? Choosing to find me…instead of focusing in the game?"

Mika hesitated and then, "Because I...I like you!"

"…What?"

To be continued...

I hope you enjoyed that :)

Feel free to comment, review or whatever :P

Stay tuned for chapter 5 :)