Maki was overwhelmed with happiness to be back in Japan, surrounded by her friends. Her joy peaked when Nico rushed forward and wrapped her in a tight hug. Maki returned the embrace just as fiercely, burying her face in Nico's shoulder. Nozomi giggled, a knowing, mischievous sound.
"Fufu fu~ Why don't you two have your alone time now? Nico-chii, tell Maki-chan what you said to us!"
Nico instantly jolted, cutting the embrace short. "Wha-?! What are you talking about, you idiot!" she yelled, her face already turning pink.
Maki raised an eyebrow, genuinely confused. "What is it, Nico-chan?"
Nozomi just grinned, radiating confidence.
'Is this woman crazy or what?!' Nico thought, desperately wishing the floor would swallow her whole.
Nozomi then grabbed Eli's uniform sleeve and, with a silent signal, began pulling the other members out of the room.
"Don't leave me!... Nozomi!" Nico wailed.
But Nozomi didn't stop. Before closing the door, Nozomi raised her thumb in a sign of encouragement: 'Do your best!'
Silence fell in the clubroom. Maki stared down at Nico, who was avoiding her gaze, intently studying the floor.
"Nico-chan?" Maki prompted softly.
"What is it?" Nico mumbled, refusing to make eye contact.
Maki, adopting her typical tsundere firmness, gently held Nico's shoulders.
"Nico-chan... look at me in the eyes."
When Nico still resisted, Maki placed her hands on the sides of Nico's cheeks and forced her chin up. "Just. Look! At. Me!"
Nico finally met her gaze, her expression flushed and defensive.
"What's wrong with you? Why wouldn't you look at me?" Maki asked, her tone shifting from stern to curious.
Nico's blush deepened. "Umm... you see..." she began, her shyness overcoming her usual bravado.
Maki smiled sweetly, deciding to silence the anxiety the best way she knew how. She leaned in and pressed her lips gently against Nico's. Nico's eyes went wide, and her face turned a furious, blazing red.
"Nico-chan? Are you sick?" Maki asked, tilting her head innocently.
Nico shook her head vehemently. Taking a deep breath, she finally managed to speak from the heart.
"Umm... Maki-chan! I missed you every single day. P-please don't do that again... that whole going overseas thing without letting me know first, I mean."
Maki smiled at her genuine display of affection and hugged her tightly. Nico eagerly returned the embrace.
Meanwhile, Touma had arrived at the Nishikino residence, calling out. "Hello!"
Maki's maid answered the door. "Yes?"
"Does Nishikino Maki lived here?" Touma asked, feigning formality.
The maid nodded. "Yes, she does. How may I help you?"
"I'm Maki-san's friend. We met in Paris. I just want to know where she is" Touma said.
"She's at her school, Otonokizaka" The maid asked.
Touma nodded. "Yes. Anyway, I'm going to take my leave. Thank you for your kindness"
Touma immediately called a taxi and headed for Otonokizaka High.
In the clubroom, the door creaked open. Nozomi peeked in.
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You Lie That Time | NicoMaki
FanfictionNishikino Maki is the 1st year student at Otonokizaka and she comes from a wealthy family of doctors and is somewhat pressured to become a doctor like her parents, which would lead her into giving up music. Maki has the qualities of a tsundere and h...
