One afternoon, Honoka found herself in the music room of their old school. Dust motes danced in the shafts of light, and the familiar sight of the piano beckoned her. She approached it hesitantly, memories flooding back of the countless times they had gathered to rehearse.
Maki entered quietly, her gaze instantly drawn to Honoka's silhouette against the sunlit window. "I thought I'd find you here," she said, her voice steady but warm.
Honoka turned, a small smile breaking through her melancholy. "I just… wanted to play. It feels like a part of them is here when I do."
Maki stepped closer, resting her hand on the piano's polished surface. "Can I join you?"
"Of course!" Honoka's heart lifted. She began to play a gentle melody, one that reminded her of their first concert together. Maki soon joined in, her fingers dancing across the keys, harmonizing beautifully.
As the music filled the room, Honoka felt connection to their lost friends. She closed her eyes, allowing the notes to wash over her. For a fleeting moment, it felt as if Kotori and Umi were there, cheering them on.
When the final chord faded, Maki leaned back, a satisfied smile on her face. "That felt amazing."
"Yeah, it did," Honoka replied, a hint of sadness lingering. "But it's also hard. I wish they were here to hear us."
Maki nodded, her expression turning serious. "They would be proud of us, Honoka. We just need to keep moving forward, for them."
Honoka looked at Maki, seeing not just a friend but someone who understood her pain deeply. "You're right. But sometimes it feels so heavy."
"Let's find a way to honor them," Maki suggested, her eyes lighting up with determination. "We can organize a tribute concert—just like the old days."
Honoka's heart raced at the idea. "That's a wonderful idea! We can invite everyone—friends, family, even the other members of Muse."
Maki smiled, a spark of excitement igniting in her gaze. "Let's make it special. We'll perform their favorite songs and share our memories."
"Yeah! It'll be a celebration of their lives," Honoka said, feeling a rush of hope.
Over the next few days, the two of them worked tirelessly, reaching out to their friends and planning every detail of the concert. They designed posters, practiced songs, and reminisced about the joyful moments they shared with Kotori and Umi.
As the day of the concert approached, they spent long hours in the music room. One evening, after a particularly exhausting rehearsal, they collapsed onto the floor, laughter spilling from them like sunshine.
"You hit that high note perfectly!" Honoka teased, nudging Maki playfully.
Maki smirked. "Well, I'm just trying to keep up with my talented partner."
Honoka's heart swelled at the compliment. "I couldn't do this without you."
Maki paused, her gaze turning serious once more. "You know, Honoka, I think this concert is more than just a tribute. It's also about us finding our way back to who we are."
Honoka met her gaze, feeling the weight of Maki's words. "You mean…?"
Maki took a deep breath. "We're allowed to be happy again, even after everything. We can still create new memories."
Honoka felt her cheeks flush, a mixture of hope and fear swirling within her. "I want that. I really do."
As the concert day dawned, the air was filled with anticipation. Friends gathered, memories shared, and laughter mingled with tears. The stage was adorned with flowers, a beautiful tribute to their lost friends.
When it was time for Honoka and Maki to perform, they stood hand in hand, the weight of their shared grief transforming into a powerful energy. As they began to sing, their voices intertwined in a melody that spoke of love, loss, and resilience.
Each note resonated in the hearts of everyone present, and as the final song ended, the audience erupted in applause. Tears streamed down Honoka's face, but they were no longer tears of sadness; they were tears of release.
Maki squeezed her hand, and together, they took a bow. "For Kotori and Umi," Honoka whispered, her heart swelling with gratitude for the journey they had shared.
As the crowd began to disperse, the two girls remained on stage, soaking in the moment. "We did it," Maki breathed, her eyes shining.
Honoka nodded, her heart racing. "And it felt… right."
With the weight of their grief lifted just a little, they stepped into a new chapter, knowing that while the echoes of the past would always be there, they were ready to embrace the future together.
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