Maki pulls out her phone for the 23rd time today. She sighs and throws the device back into her book bag. Nico-chan... What are you doing? The bell pulls Maki from her thoughts. She grabs her bag and slowly walks out of the classroom.
"Maki-chan! Kayo-chin and I are going to see a movie! Do you want to come too nya~?" Rin asks as she jumps in front of Maki.
"Not today Rin. I have... Stuff to do. You two have fun though!"
"Awww! Okay... Talk to you tomorrow Maki-chan!"
Rin waves goodbye as she grabs Hanayo's hand and runs down the hall. The latter squeaks and waves to Maki as she's dragged away. Maki smiles before turning around and letting her happy facade drop. She walks slowly and deliberately to a very special room in the high school.
"I love you Maki-chan..."
Maki stops, her hand inches from the door handle. She quickly turns around expecting to find a girl in a pink sweater with pigtails. It was just in my head... Disappointed, Maki turns back around and opens the door.
"Do you love me too, Maki-chan...?"
"Of course I do, Nico-chan!"
Maki shakes her head and sits down at the piano. She turns away from the keys and looks out of the window. The wind blows a few leaves off of the trees. Clouds roll by, and a few birds start singing.
"Nico-chan... Are you as happy as they are...?"
Maki sighs and looks down at her hands. She closes her eyes, trying to stop the tears from falling. I won't cry. I promised myself that I wouldn't cry. I won't do it! The crimson haired musician stands up quickly and clenches her fist. I won't cry! She shakes her head violently, but as the first tear falls Maki collapses on the ground. Nico-chan... Why...? The second year curls into a ball and starts crying uncontrollably. She screams Nico's name, expecting an answer but there's no response. Even the birds stop singing as Maki cries herself to sleep on the music room floor.
