When Nico saw Kotori arrive at the station, she was still surprised at herself for coming. But that thought flew out of her head.

"NICO!" Kotori shouted. She ran over to Nico and hugged her tightly - and kissed her. Briefly, but on the mouth. As if nothing had happened, she said "I hope you didn't wait long, Nico-tan."

The proud Nico would have flipped out. The broken one gave a sad smile and said "No, i just got here." That's what one said, after all.

"I hope you don't mind an early lunch," Kotori said. "It will be my treat." And with that, she grabbed Nico's hand and turned toward the trains again. She and Nico scanned their passes, and Kotori dragged Nico over to a seat at the back of an empty car. She promptly kissed Nico again then asked her how she'd been since she saw her the day before

Nico told her. At least she hadn't cried in front of her siblings the previous night. Kotori smiled at that and labeled it "progress." Still holding Nico's hand she stood up: "We're here, Nico."

It was a nice, but not extremely expensive cafe. Kotori ordered for both of them: small portions of excellent food and a not-too-sweet dessert. She told Nico she knew that she had a sweet tooth, but that appreciating a dessert for its other flavors was important too.

Nico couldn't help but notice that Kotori was dressed very nicely while still being casual. That's how Nico had dressed, too. Kotori had told her to dress like she did when she was first dating Maki. With her confident manner, Nico could see how Umi had gotten such a huge crush on her.

Nico got her courage up. "Kotori ... -chan... How exactly did Umi react to your plan?"

Kotori laughed, a little nervously.

"Well, you know, Nico, it was only after we started being school idols that Honoka brought up the idea of girls dating. She said she was feeling all fuwa-fuwa watching ARISE. She told us that she thought you and Hanayo were, too. She said she felt that way watching Umi, sometimes, too. I didn't like it that she only said that about Umi, and then I wondered why it bothered me. Then when you all found out I was "Minalinsky," she told me and Umi that I was dazzling, like Tsubasa. I actually thought she'd just be a fan of Tsubasa and Umi and I might date. When we were in middle school, Honoka and I practiced kissing, and we pushed Umi into practicing too."

So now Honoka said when we did that, she felt something, it was stimulating. So I said, "me too!" Nico-chan. Umi looked embarrassed but she'd be more embarrassed maintaining a lie, so she said she was, too. Even though she trembled as she admitted it. So we realized one reason we're such close friends is that we all get excited over other girls and won't judge. Except Umi doesn't want shameless behavior, however she defines it. But part of our friendship is Honoka goes ahead and does things, and I beg Umi to go along."

Well, everyone knows that much, Nico's raised eyebrow said.

"So, we have a problem, Nico. I mean, Umi will go along with a lot but - more than kissing? No, she can't do that. Honoka and I would, but that would leave Umi behind, and leaving Umi-chan behind is something we've pledged not to do. Or Honoka could just openly date Tsubasa, but she has the same problem as Umi-chan, Nico. Namely, you."

Nico looked up, hurt.

"I said you scared Umi-chan, but you scared Honoka, too, Nico. Neither one of them wants to be where you are. Honoka's really terrified, because she already practically worships Tsubasa. And she feels inferior, you know. She tells herself all the time she's an impostor and Umi and I did everything. If she screwed up a relationship with one of us, she'd lose her key supports in life, and like that. So, whatever happens, it's super-important that you and I stay close friends, Nico-chan. A lot depends on that."

Nico picked away at her dessert. It was very good, but the conversation was making her uncomfortable.

"So, why this?" she asked. "Why even get me involved, I mean?"

"Nico, ask yourself: is this better than crying in your room every night? Staring into space and punishing yourself with sad thoughts?"

"Yes, of course it is."

"So, even though Nico-chan is just going through the motions, it feels better, right?"

Nico had to admit that.

"Nico it made me sad you're so broken-hearted, but also a little relieved. Because now I can say things to you like, when your hair is not in twin tails like on stage, you're far cuter. In fact, you look like you could be Umi-chan's little sister, or maybe Nozomi's. And I think Umi-chan is very attractive. If Nico-chan's first idol group had worked out - if Nico had kept her grades up - if Nico had stayed in shape - if Nico had stayed confident like she was in that video of your performance with that trio - Nico-chan might be getting confessions like Umi-chan and Eli get. The way you are now you are very moe, and that is cute in its own way. But we were afraid to say things like that, because Nico wasn't able to be honest."

Nico started to cry, and Kotori took her hand and held it and didn't say anything more.