Behind the Club Room Door

Hey guys! I hope you're ready for the next chapter because I'm sure not. Prepare for the angst because its a-comin'! Anyway, enough chit-chat, let's get this party started!

====================================================================

Nico's P.O.V.

"If you meant what you sang, come to the club room at this time tomorrow," I said, my voice shaking. "There are some things we need to talk about." I turned on my heel and left a surprised Maki in the music room, my heart aching to stay. I was beyond frustrated with her, but that didn't mean I could control how I felt.

What the hell is wrong with you, I thought. Pull yourself together! You aren't in love, you aren't in love, you aren't in love! You know why you're asking her to meet you, don't get distracted.

As angry as I was with her, I had to admit her piano skills were incredible. It was one of the things I liked most about her. Then there was her hair, her eyes, her smile, her laugh, the way I felt when she met my eyes from across the roof during practice—

My face flushed bright red as I walked faster, pushing past the few students who still roamed the halls. Many of them moved out of my way at the sight of my red face and slightly disheveled hair, but I didn't care what they thought. It didn't matter because I was not in love with Maki. I couldn't be. Not after what she'd said, and the decision I had made. I couldn't afford feelings when they wouldn't matter soon anyway.

I couldn't afford more heartbreak when the time to leave finally came.

====================================================================

Maki's P.O.V.

I couldn't sleep. Even after a long, hot bath, and with my freshly changed sheets, I just couldn't do it. How could I when the girl who had refused to talk to me for weeks suddenly wanted to meet in the club room? My heart pounded at the thought of Nico and I, alone. We could do whatever we wanted to...

I shook my head furiously, my face turning nearly as red as my hair. There was no way that's why she wanted to meet. With a sigh of frustration, I covered my face and began rolling around in the silk sheets on my king-sized bed. I wrapped myself around my body pillow and did my best to quiet my thoughts until I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

====================================================================

The next morning, I woke up far earlier than I would've cared to admit. It wasn't like I could be blamed for not being able to wait to get to school. I needed to see her. With incredible speed, I scarfed down my breakfast and ran to school, not even bothering to wait for Hanayo and Rin, though I did shoot them a quick text to let them know not to wait for me. I stumbled to a halt in front of the school, bending over to rest my hands on my knees and panting slightly as the cold winter air blew in my face.

"Maki-chan? What are you doing here so early?" I turned around and was surprised to see Kotori standing behind me, a curious look on her face.

"U-um— I was just— I forgot to— I—" I stuttered helplessly, trying to find the right words.

Kotori smiled at me the entire time I tried to dig myself out of the hole I'd made, but eventually, I gave up and accepted defeat. That was when Kotori said, "Come on, Maki-chan. Let's go take a walk." I nodded uncertainly and followed her as she began to lead the way around the school grounds. We were silent for a long moment; the only sounds were our footsteps crunching in the freshly fallen snow and our occasional sniffles here or there. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Kotori spoke. Her voice was lilting and curious as she asked, "So, Maki-chan; there's been a rumor going around the club that you like Nico-chan."