After the End: Maki's Birthday

03 - Dilemma

NICO'S POV

I woke up from an endless darkness. A darkness that for some reason I did not want to let go. I had the feeling like I never wanted to wake up...

I opened my eyes. Normal as usual. My siblings slept beside me. It was 6:30 in the morning. April 16. Still in my old apartment here in Akihabara because we have more stuffs to transfer. I feel...empty.

I looked at myself at the mirror. I saw my face, without makeup, seeing the short Nico Yazawa. Heck, why am I not getting taller?

I went to my closet, one of the few furnitures still left in my room. I looked at my uniform...my highschool uniform...I still have it. I feel like not wanting to throw it away. The blue blazer, the blue skirt, the yellow sweatshirt, the ribbons.

It was my gift, I first thought, to Maki-chan on her birthday this time. It seemed weird but it's because I wanted her to remember me...through this uniform.

But I also considered to give her many presents in case she did not want my uniform. This may be Maki-chan's last birthday with me, or maybe even with the others. I have to make it as great as possible. The problem though...it looks like all my plans are not working out.

"What should I do, Nozomi?", I asked her when I visited her at her house.

"To be honest Nico, I don't think it is necessary for you to give Maki-chan many presents. Especially if you can't - "

"No Nozomi. I will give her as many presents as I want to, it's very special for me to do all that."

"Sigh, what about a date?"

"Maki-chan is still sick. No way should she go outside to do that!"

"Well...why don't you just spend the entire day beside her?"

"I've considered that, but who knows if mom will call me to move stuffs to our new house?"

"......what about a new song?..."

"......Well...I have considered that. I just could not think of a lyric yet."

Nozomi smiled. She walked towards me and whispered in my ear:

"Have you considered to dance with her?"

What she said gave me an idea. Complicated plans went into my head as I connected the dots, if all that was possible.

"...thanks, Nozomi..."

"Good luck Nicocchi!"

I spent this entire day preparing. Buying birthday props, researching the internet for ideas, practicing my dance. All while we move stuff at our new house.

So tired, but it's either all or nothing.

MAKI'S POV

(I did not do much for the last two days. I was stuck at home recovering. Though Rin-chan and Hanayo-chan visited me yesterday, they stayed only for a bit.)

*Cough cough cough*

I drank my medicine, then checked the thermometer for any signs of improvement....uggh...slight improvement. Well...at least I could walk. I am sure though that whatever I'm feeling, it isn't cancer or anything fatal. Being a doctor's daughter sure is helpful.

I wasn't patient. I went all over the house finding something to do. I'm so bored. And the fact that I have no idea what is going outside...and what other people are doing...it all troubles me.

I sat on a corner, sulking and waiting for the day to pass. I felt like crying but I found no reason to do so. Darn...

"NICO PURI! NICO NICO! NICO PURI! NICO NICO!"

My phone rang. Yeah you heard it. My phone's ring tone was Nico's song. That was how much I love her. I immediately took my phone and looked at the message sent to me. I read it:

Dear Maki-chan,

I wanted to say "Happy Birthday" to you now before I leave. I'm sorry if I don't have a present for you this time. I am embarassed to say I don't know what to give you.

And...Maki-chan. I am really happy to have become your friend. I learned many things from you, though it isn't obvious. I wish you a good future and a good career. Take care!

~ With love, Eri Ayase.

Eri-chan...that's right. She's leaving tomorrow for Russia. Thanks Eri - at least you got to say something.

Earlier I checked my laptop for any online activity and I did see the others greet me "Happy Birthday" on chat. But that was all I saw. It still felt better if they greeted me in person though. I think I'm asking too much for my birthday.

The next day...April 17

It was 6:04 AM. Time to ready for breakfast. I went to the kitchen and cooked food for myself. I gathered ingredients like tomatoes, some veggies, and other foods. Cooking all this reminded me of that time when me and u's had a baking class at Honoka's house. I also remembered Nico - she taught me how to cook.

"Itadakimasu." I sat on a large table all by myself and began to eat. No...wait...I did not eat after saying that. I stared at my breakfast. I lost the mood to eat. I...I don't get it...

Then I looked at my surroundings - then I imagined that the other girls were here. I imagined all nine of us eating on one table. I imagined...

...then I cried. This time I allowed my emotions to overcome me. I cried out of loneliness. I could not hold myself back anymore.

I miss them so much...all of them. Why they had to go...why they did not give me attention...it all hurts. I know, I know...we have our own lives now. We're not u's anymore...but still...

That sadness in my heart. I felt powerless to do anything. What can I do?

"...Maki, what's wrong!?"

Then someone came, noticing me crying in that room...

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A/N: This part is supposed to be longer but I ran out of time/additional ideas. I am in a hurry to finish this story as of April 19. More chapters to come. :)