Love Live!: SHATTER [PART 9]

MAKI ROLLS:

*FRONT GATE - NISHIKINO RESIDENCE - CHIYODA - TOKYO*

The sun's dipping low, casting a golden hue over the quiet residential streets as Maki and I make our way back from the grocery store, bags rustling with the ingredients we picked up for whatever impromptu cooking session she's got planned.

It's been a nice, low-key afternoon, just chatting about music, cooking, and everything in between. But as we turn the corner onto her street, the house comes into view, and I can't help but stop in my tracks.

AKI: "W-Whoa! I-It's huge! Maki...this is your place? It's like, mansion-level impressive!"

She glances at the house, her cheeks turning a faint pink as she shifts her bag to the other hand, trying to play it cool.

MAKI: "It's not that big a deal. Just a house. Come on, let's go inside."

AKI: "You sure it's okay for me to drop by? I mean, won't your parents mind an unexpected guest?"

MAKI: "They're busy all night at the family hospital. They won't even notice. Don't worry about it."

We approach the gate, and I feel a bit out of place, like, I know my parents are rich but... This is even above our pay grade!

AKI: "Do you get many visitors here?"

MAKI: "No, not really."

AKI: "Then I feel pretty honored that you invited me. Thanks, Maki."

She fumbles with her keys at the door, avoiding my eyes.

MAKI: "Will you quit it?"

Still, it's an honor, no matter what. She doesn't strike me as the type to invite just anyone over.

MAKI: "It just so happened that today was a safe day."

AKI: "Safe day? What are you talking about?"

She pushes the door open, stepping inside and gesturing for me to follow, her voice a mix of exasperation and embarrassment.