Nozomi wasn't ready for school the next day. The entire night was filled with her sadness about Eli and this drained her. However, she knows that Eli needed some moral support when she was going to confess, even though it didn't matter. So, she did what she always does. She got herself ready for school. She went and met up with Eli. She gave encouragement to Eli for her confession. And all this time, she felt that it was stupid to do.

The two girls luckily met up with the three 2nd years and the three girls immediately noticed how awkward Umi and Eli were around each other.

"Aren't they being so cute?" Honoka whispered to Kotori and Nozomi in a teasing tone. Kotori giggled while Nozomi forced a smile. It was good that she could fake a good smile easily, because the couple didn't detect anything.

"Well, Elichi did tell me something interesting yesterday. She's going to ask Umi-chan out!" Nozomi faked her excitement as she saw the two girls high five.

"That's great! Umi-chan will be so happy!" Kotori said with excitement.

Nozomi noticed that Umi and Eli were blushing, which didn't help her sadness and jealousy go away.

…

As the five girls approached the school, Eli spoke up. "Umm, Umi-chan? We still have a bit before school starts. Could you come with me for a bit?" Eli didn't look her in the eye. She was way to nervous to look at her crush.

Umi looked at the three other girls, who gave her all thumbs up. Except for Nozomi. Nozomi kept smiling and nodded at the bluenette. She didn't like doing this. She knew that Eli wouldn't be hers if Umi accepted. 'But, it's what is best for Eli. It's what's best for Umi. Just…grin and bear it, Nozomi.' It hurt her give approval to Umi, but she ignored the pain and did it anyways.

"Y-yeah. Sure, Eli-chan…" Umi drifted off, her nervousness getting the better of her.

And the three of them saw the two girls walk back down. And smiled.

"They'll be great together." Kotori said.

"They deserve to be happy. Hopefully the practices won't get too hard, though. Both of them at the helm gives me shivers." Honoka said.

"Yeah."

That was all Nozomi could muster up before she broke down. Well, almost broke down. She heard the word 'deserve' and she became a bit more depressed. 'I want to be happy. I wish that I deserved it.'

"Well, let's head in. Don't want to be late, right girls?" Nozomi had to get away. Before she broke. Talking with Honoka and Kotori helped, so she wanted to go with them. To not be alone.

"You're right Nozomi-chan! Let's go!" Honoka said with her cheerful personality.

Nozomi hoped that Honoka's endless happiness would give her some hope. It didn't, but it helped her cope with the loss she was about to experience.

Nico was running late. A bit later that she normally does. Thankfully, she was right on the path to school with seven minutes left before class started. As she approached the school, she noticed a particular bluenette and blonde talking to each other. 'Oh great, they're probably think of ways to torture us during practice.' So as any great friend did, she snuck up and listened in on their conversation.

…

"Really E-Eli-chan?" Umi was barely able to say.

"Y-yes, Umi-chan. I think you're smart, trustworthy, and…cute." Eli nervously chuckled.

Both stood in silence for a couple of seconds.

"Yes."

Eli looked up when she heard that and saw Umi's beautiful smile. She leapt into her arms and the two embraced.

"I-I don't believe it! I was so nervous, thinking that you would say no."

Umi giggled. "Well, I wouldn't have. I like you too, Eli-chan."

…

Nico watched this and felt really happy for them. 'Wow, who knew two prudes would actually find love. Now if only that red-head would find some love.' However, she felt that something was wrong. But, she couldn't really figure out what the problem was.

So, Nico walked out and greeted the happy couple. "I saw that." Not too graciously, but Nico wanted to tease them immediately.

The two new lovebirds started blushing and stood in silence.

"And good morning to you to, Nico-chan." Eli finally responded.

"Aww, don't be so nervous girls! I'm happy for you two!" Nico smiled at the pair. "The great Nico-Nii will bring you all smiles so you guys are happy!"

She heard Eli and Umi sigh with relief. "You guys are overreacting. Everyone will be happy for you guys."

"I guess you are right, Nico-chan. Honoka, Kotori, and Nozomi were very supportive of us." Umi said.

And that's when it hit Nico. 'Huh. I wonder if Nozomi is okay. She may be replaced as a best friend…No, Eli and Nozomi are too close for that.'

Once the three were ready, they headed for school.

Nozomi was staring outside, her thoughts still depressed. 'This day is going to be bad. But, maybe I'll grow and agree with Elichi and Umi-chan dating…No, no you won't Nozomi! If I want to get over Eli, it's going to be a long, long time.' Nozomi finished her thoughts and looked towards the door. And she looked at the worst possible time.

She saw Eli and Nico being really friendly. Not as much as Eli and Nozomi were, but they were enjoying themselves. And Nozomi did not like that. Was it jealousy? Anger? She didn't know. What she did know was that she may be falling out with Eli. 'She's got a new girlfriend. Now, Nico's gone and taken her away from me too?! Why does she keep doing this!?'

Nico and Eli got scared, because Nozomi did something uncharacteristic. She stood up, looking like she was in anger. Her desk moved a bit violently, and she was staring at the desk. She looked at the two, waved at them. And she ran off.

"Nozomi! What's wrong with her?" Eli asked with a strained tone.

'I was afraid of this.' Nico gave Eli her stuff, but took her phone. "Eli-chan, please tell the teacher that Nozomi and I went to the bathroom." Quickly, Nico ran after Nozomi.

Eli was saddened, but she couldn't really do anything. So she obeyed the petite idol and placed Nico's stuff at her seat.

…

"Nozomi! Let's talk!" Nico was chasing the purple-haired girl around the third floor. Thankfully, Nozomi was slow and a bit clumsy.

Clumsy because she tripped and fell. "Nicochi, just please. Leave me alone." Nozomi tried to get up and keep going, but her leg had a sharp pain.

"Nozomi. You're hurt. Let me help." She picked the girl up and went to the nurse's office. It wasn't easy because of the height difference. If Nico was at least the same height, it would lift away some of the struggle.

…

Nozomi and Nico were left alone after the nurse took note of what happened.

"Well, practice for you is out the window. At least it's just a sprain." Nico said in relief.

"Y-yeah. Thanks N-Nicochi." Nozomi's voice was trembling. Nico did notice this, but she didn't know the whole story. Maybe asking what happened would help.

"Nozomi, what was up with you in the classroom?"

Nozomi struggled, but she stayed strong. "Well, when I saw you and Elichi, I felt…something."

"Really? Do you know what that was?"

Nozomi gulped. "I-I felt angry. Lonely. Jealous."

Nico was surprised. She never seen Nozomi angry until today. "Well, I saw that. But…why were you jealous? And…lonely?"

Nozomi didn't even try to stop her tears from flowing. "I-I don't know, Nicochi. I just…did."

Nico had sympathetic eyes. "Just wait Nozomi." Nico pulled out her phone and texted Eli. She told them that they were in the nurse's office.

"W-Was that Elichi?" Nozomi asked Nico.

"Yeah, just told her we were in the nurse's office. She'll probably come here at lunch. So, don't worry about it." Nico gave Nozomi her best smile.

And Nozomi lost it.

"Nicochi!" Nozomi wept furiously and went towards Nico.

Nico was shocked and held her friend in her arms. She was in disbelief. 'I-I never have seen Nozomi like this. She's usually so calm and collected, but right now…'

Nico attempted to calm down the weeping girl, rubbing circles on her back and petting her. "Shhh. Shhh. It's okay."

"It's NOT!" Nico was scared at how Nozomi was acting. 'She…raised her voice…Nozomi is never like this.' Nozomi continuously cried for about half an hour before she started to calm down. It was 11:30. "Nozomi, we have half an hour before lunch. And Eli is probably coming here. Please, calm down. I don't want to see you like this. And I don't think that Eli would as well."

"It's not my fault that I'm depressed. It's ELI'S." Nico now knew this was serious. 'She didn't call Eli Elichi? She raised her voice when she said Eli. Something is wrong here.'

"Hey, tell me what's wrong." Nico was starting to tear up. She didn't like seeing one of her best friends cry, especially one that doesn't show sad emotions.

"Eli loves Umi."

And that's when Nico realized it.

"Nozomi," she looked at the purple-haired girl. "You like Eli, huh?"

"Not just like, Nicochi. I love Elichi. And now, she'll never be mine." Nozomi started to cry, but Nico wiped the tears.

"Were you able to tell her anything?" However, Nico probably knew the answer.

"No. I was too scared. Scared to put my trust in her. But…now I regret it. I-I thought that she saw how much I cared, and maybe even see that as love." Nozomi kept her tears back, but just barely.

Nico knew that was how Nozomi would answer. Nozomi was never one that pushed her feelings onto others. But, she saw how much Nozomi poured her love out for the blonde. Did Eli really not see the teasing as flirting? Was she that blind? Nozomi is by her side everyday for student council. So, Nozomi probably did push her some more. They always got parfaits together. Did she not see that as dates? Not even a small date?

Nozomi felt Nico's anger rising. "Nicochi, it's okay. I just want Eli to be happy. Even if I'm not there. Maybe…that's why I got jealous. And lonely when I saw you two. I thought that she was replacing me and…I got scared." Nozomi silently cried, and this pushed Nico.

"Nozomi, I'm never going to replace you as her best friend. But, I want you to be happy too. I've seen how you guys are together. She's blind. Just…a dumb blonde."

The girls heard the door open, and it had the seven other girls from Muse. "Sorry for being late, Nozomi. Just wanted to gather everyone here." The girls that were already in the room saw Umi and Eli holding hands, and Nico lost it. She stood up and headed to the door. "Oh, Nico. I told the teacher-"

SLAP! "I hope you two are happy." Nico held no regrets when she slapped Eli. She saw how the others reacted, but she didn't care. She stormed out of the room, and didn't look back.

Kotori, Honoka, Rin and Hanayo were in shock when Nico slapped Eli. They were scared for both girls. Would this mean the end of Muse?

Umi and Eli were tending to Eli's cheek, and were angrily talking about Nico. Although, Nico's last sentence did stick with them.

Maki went to Nozomi, and saw her tears. However, Nozomi kept her smile and motioned Maki so she could whisper to her. "Sorry Maki-chan. I didn't realize how short Nicochi's fuse was. Should have thought that when I saw her height." Nozomi let out a brief giggle, but went back to lay down.

Maki was scared. Scared that Nico did something that she would regret. Would she still see her? Maki kept hope.

"Hi Elichi, how are you doing?" Nozomi looked towards the girls. Maki didn't like what she was seeing. But she knew that she had to care for Nozomi first, Nico after. She caused it, anyways.

"Yeah, just angry at Nico. She just slapped me for no reason." Eli responded.

Nozomi knew why she slapped Eli. To be honest, she felt a bit happy. "Well, we'll talk to her later. She'll explain. I know it."

"So, how are you Nozomi-chan?" Hanayo asked in a timid tone. The first two Muse couples were still sad that there was some conflict in the idol group. However, the focus was all on Nozomi right now.

"I'm fine, Hanayo-chan. I don't think practice is something I can do right now," she said as she motioned at her leg.

"It's okay, Nozomi-chan. We don't have anything coming up soon anyways." Kotori replied to Nozomi with a smile.

The girls talked for a while, until lunch ended. However, Maki wasn't really focused on the conversation. She was twirling her hair and worried about Nozomi and Nico. Something happened between the two. And it happened right now. She couldn't focus on anything else. 'I hope this…whatever this is gets solved. I can only talk to her at idol practice, so maybe she'll open up there.'

…

Eli went back to class when the bell rang, with Umi. The bluenette was tending to Eli's cheek, kissing it with embarrassment.

"I know I'm hurt, but you're being more affectionate that I though, Umi-chan," Eli teased.

Umi pouted at her girlfriend. "Well, if Nico-chan would like to apologize, I'll be by your side. And scold her. She had no reason to slap you, that was just inappropriate."

"Yeah, I'll ask. Don't worry Umi-chan." After Eli said this, she kissed Umi on the nose. This caused the two to get embarrassed, but happy nonetheless. They parted ways, and Eli headed towards her class.

However, one thing on her mind was what Nico told her and Umi before she left. 'What did Nico mean by "I hope you two are happy?" She was supportive for us when she saw us in the morning. Does…she not support us anymore? She wouldn't be like that. But…I don't know what she slapped me.' Eli held her cheek that was slapped as she walked into the class.

Nozomi wasn't there since she was recovering. So, Eli didn't have her best friend beside her. She looked at Nico and didn't like what she saw. Nico looked pissed, and only looked forward. She was surprised that Nico didn't turn around, not even to look at Nozomi's seat.

"Is Nozomi still not here today?"

Eli started to respond. "Noz-"

"She is recovering from a sprained ankle. I will be sure to take down notes and give them to Nozomi-chan." Nico responded. She heard that Eli was about to answer, but Eli didn't deserve it. After all the pain she was causing Nozomi, she didn't deserve it.

Eli was getting irritated at how Nico was acting. However, arguing during class was not a wise idea. So she waited.

Nico never reacted, and actually got her notes to give to Nozomi. Eli was lost in thought throughout the entire class, thinking about what happened in the nurse's office.

…

Nozomi was still in the nurse's office, and had a lot to think about. The nurse allowed her to go to idol practice, however she needed a person to help her out. She picked up her phone and hovered her finger over Eli's contact. However, she still had a depressed feeling when she thought about the blonde. So, she went and hovered over Nico's number. But, she was feeling hesitant. She was happy that Nico stood up for her, but she knew that Nico had to explain her actions, which she may reveal too much information. So, she went and called someone else.

…

"Geez, you couldn't have gotten someone else?"

Nozomi laughed. "Sorry Maki-chan, you seem like the only reasonable one to call. And one of the most responsible."

Maki blushed, not used to getting praise. "S-shut up. I'm doing this because you needed me to."

"Aww, Maki-chan is getting embarrassed again," Nozomi teased the red-head, who had a blush as red as her hair. They walked in silence for a couple of minutes, only talking to assure Nozomi was okay. But then, Maki piped up.

"Nozomi, what were you and Nico-chan talking about? Was that the reason she slapped Eli?"

'I knew she would ask this.' Nozomi nodded. "Yeah, that was probably it. Even though Elichi is my best friend, I'm…actually was happy that Nico slapped her. She's the one that's in the wrong."

"Nico-chan? Yeah, it was really wrong-"

"No." Nozomi looked at Maki and smiled. "In my eyes, they were both in the wrong."

Maki had a sympathetic face, but she was still a bit confused. As they were climbing up the stairs Maki asked, "Why is Eli in the wrong?"

Nozomi heard talking from the door. Really loud talking. "Let's just listen to what she says."

…

The four girls that weren't involved with "the slap" incident was further away from the exit so they could practice. They knew that Eli, Umi, and Nico had to talk.

"Nico-chan, you need to explain yourself. Eli didn't do anything wrong, but you went and slapped her." Umi told the girl.

"Maybe if you paid attention to Nozomi, you would understand. But no, you both have thick skulls." Nico told the two with hateful venom in her voice.

Eli was hurt at that comment. She started to speak, and she was raising her voice. "I always pay attention to Nozomi. So, I don't know what you mean-"

SLAP! "If you paid attention, you would know how much that girl LOVES YOU! And now, she's heartbroken. But she's going to put up that face that supports you. Why? Because she loves you. Because she puts our happiness before herself. So, be grateful that I'm not the one that fell in love with you." Nico had tears in her eyes. She didn't want to do that again. But hearing that Eli "paid attention" was a joke. She was blind to anything Nozomi did as love. And it hurt, know how much Nozomi was hurting. Someone so selfless didn't deserve this type of pain. Only Eli did.

"Now, I'm going home. We don't have anything coming up, right? Because I wouldn't be able to do anything anyways. Maybe we'll make up, Eli. Eventually. But, right now is not the right time. You hurt someone so close to me, and someone that's extremely close to you. I may have hurt you, but maybe you understand now. Sorry, and goodbye."

…

The girls in the stairway were resting on a stair as they heard Nico talk. Maki was in shock. She always knew that Nico would speak her mind. But, she was on a different level. She was scared about how Muse would continue on. However, after hearing Nozomi's story she saw Nozomi and Eli in a different light.

In Maki's mind, Nozomi was a girl in heartbreak. She always saw how Nozomi and Eli interacted with each other. She saw how much fun Nozomi had teasing Eli, but no one except Nico saw it as anything but teasing. She felt like a fool. She always had her thoughts on Eli and Nozomi's relationship, but she only saw them as a good pair that meshed well together.

In Maki's mind, her thought of Eli was muddled. In the positive light, she saw Eli as the ideal student. Everyone loves her, be it looks or intellect. She was student council president, and was an extremely smart student. From knowing her personally, Eli was a hard worker. Maybe a bit too hard. She pushed the group to do things that seemed too difficult. However, it improved the nine girls in many ways.

However, hearing Nico's explanation really hindered what Maki thought of Eli. If Eli was Nozomi's best friend, wouldn't she have seen the emotion that Nozomi put out? Eli was selfish, only thinking about her self. But…she wasn't. It was Nozomi that allowed her to do this. But, did Eli really not see Nozomi as more than a friend?

Maki turned to Nozomi, who was crying. She knew how much baggage Nico put out would affect not only Eli, but Nozomi as well. Would their friendship hold? This day would determine that.

…

Nozomi was saddened at how Nico dealt with the situation. However, it was the only way to do it. She promised herself to not cry, but the tears kept flowing. Would Eli still consider Nico as a friend? Would she break up with Umi to be with Nozomi? That would make her happy, but how broken would Umi be? She wouldn't like it though. That relationship would be out of pity, and Nozomi didn't want Eli to feel guilty. Although, does she feel guilty now? After hearing everything that Nico said?

She suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around her. "Maki-chan, will…will everything be okay?" Nozomi felt Maki's arms tighten more, which gave Nozomi a lot more comfort.

...

Nico saw the red-head and purple-haired girl in the embrace. She walked to the girls and patted their heads. When they looked up, Nico had a sympathetic smile.

"Sorry, Nozomi. I guess you two heard all of that. I couldn't leave it like that. You are too good to be sad, Nozomi. If I went to far, please…"

Nico turned her face to Nozomi. "…slap me. Maybe Eli didn't deserve it. If she didn't, I definitely do."

Nozomi didn't think that Nico would act like this. All she knew was that maybe…Eli did deserve it.

"Nicochi…thank you," Nozomi said. She put her forehead on Nico's cheek, which caused the raven-haired girl to blush. But smile.

"N-no problem, Nozomi." Nico was shocked when she felt Nozomi's forehead because she thought it was something different. But, she was content. Seeing Nozomi's smile made her happy.

Maki was blushing a blush of happiness and jealousy. She was happy that Nozomi had a genuine smile. But she was conflicted because Nico brought that smile. 'Should I make an advance on Nico? I don't want to end up like Nozomi, but…what if I lose the girl I love as well?'

'…To be honest, Nozomi deserves happiness. She's way too nice to be in pain.' Maki knew, in her heart, that her and Nozomi may be in the same place. But, Maki never experienced what Nozomi has. She should learn from Nozomi.

"Nicochi, you can head home. I need to deal with this now."

"I'm sorry Nozomi."

Nozomi giggled. "Don't be, I brought this on myself. You just put my feelings out there. Something that I was too afraid to do. So, thanks." And Nozomi flashed her another smile.

Nico said her goodbyes to the girls on the stairs and left.

"I guess…time to face the music?" Maki said with a small grin.

"Yeah." Nozomi said as she hooked her arm around Maki again. For support.

…

The scene on the rooftop was…depressing. It wasn't raining, but the amount of tears that were being poured out seemed like it was.

The four girls were over Eli and Umi. They felt really bad for Eli. But, hearing Nico made them feel bad for Nozomi as well.

If Eli wasn't here, Umi would have been the one to be the saddest. Hearing Nico's words dropped a bomb of knowledge that was unknown to her. And she felt awful. The "mother of Muse" was suffering because of her. Nozomi gave everything to help the second years, and this is how she repays her? How could Nozomi ever forgive that?

However, Eli was here. And she looked devastated. She was crying and she was not staying calm about it. 'I can't believe I was so stupid. What kind of friend was I to Nozomi. I don't deserve her. She should just…leave me. Is my relationship with Umi…just a lie? Am I just blind to everything? Is Muse going to be okay? This is all my-"

"Elichi? Please don't cry." Nozomi went in front of the weeping blonde trying to comfort her. But Eli didn't want comfort. She wanted to know if Nozomi would still be there. Still be Eli's best friend.

Eli leapt into Nozomi's arms, weeping. All Nozomi heard Eli saying was "I'm sorry." Everyone was worried for Eli. They have never seen her react like this. The usually calm and collected student council president…was broken.

"Shhh, Elichi. It's okay." Nozomi was visibly strained because she was on her sprained leg, but she didn't care. She was here to help her friend. Her best friend. "Let's not have practice today. No one's not going to want to do anything. Let's head to the nurse's office. We can check on me and Elichi."

A/N: Another chapter down, and it's a long one. Really going on a streak for this story, which might be for the best. I like having my ideas flow.

Next Chapter: The resolution of heartbreak.

Thanks for Reading!