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-After Practice-

"Do remember to attend tomorrow's practice! We will be combining dancing with singing for Kitto Seishun ga Kikoeru." Eli reminded us.

"Hai!"

"I gotta go now! I need to help my mother with the shop! Ja-nee!" Honoka cried as she left hurriedly. One by one, everyone left. I walked home with Rin and Hanayo. We started chatting but in the dark recesses of my mind, the number '7' was etched on my mind. I sighed.

"Maki-chan, is there anything bothering you?" Hanayo asked with concern in her soft voice. I shook my head and smiled, masking my true feelings.

"Kayo-chin! The green man is going to appear-nya! We need to go-nya! Ja-nee Maki-chan!" Rin exclaimed and smiled. The smile warmed my heart and I waved good-bye to the both of them.

I had wonderful friends.

As I ambled home, my thoughts wandered to the countdown. Seven days. Sadness clouded my heart as I sighed. Just then, my phone chimed. Who could it be? I fished it out and realised that there was a text from Mother.

'We are working overtime.'
-Mother

That means that I could spend more time on the piano. Mother and Father did not allow me to play when they were home. I quickened my pace and headed back home.

After finishing my homework and eating a simple dinner, I sat on the piano bench. My fingers trailed over the keys and melancholy washed over me.

If only I had more time with music and Muse...

What could I do to thank them? What could I do to show my gracefulness to them?

Suddenly, a thought popped into my mind. I could do what I did best-compose songs. Maybe I should conpose a song for each of them.

Who should I start with?

Inspiration flashed in me as I thought of each member's personality.

I started to play with the notes and sounds. Slowly but surely, I created a melody.

The song would suit Rin. What should I call it? I was not good in thinking of song names.

Koi no Shigunaru Rin Rin Rin!

Rin had a bubbly personality and loved cats. The song would suit her. Suddenly, I had the inspiration for Hanayo's song.

Immediately, I started to play with the notes and composed a song.

Nawatobi-that was the song's name.

Hanayo was shy but she was kind and caring once you got to know her. She was also passionate.

Then, I thought of the other members.

Blueberry♡Train for Kotori. Kotori was a sweet and caring senpai. She also made the wonderful costumes for our songs.

Exhaustion radiated from my body. I checked the time on my phone.

8.15 p.m.

Mother and Father would probably return at 12 midnight. That was when they usually returned when they worked overtime. I could compose a few more songs.

Junai lens for Nozomi. Nozomi was very supportive of everyone and was caring. She could be considered as our lucky charm!

Inspiration lit up in me and I had an idea of a song for Umi. As I conposed it, it reminded me of Mother and sadness welled up in me. Why did I have to quit music?

I decided to name the song 'Yuuki no Reason'. The song portrayed Umi's calm and sometimes stubborn personality. When I remembered Umi's reaction to a certain type of costume, I tried to surpress the giggles that threatened to spill out of my mouth.

Those moments I shared with everyone. Those moments would disappear in seven days...

I had liked Yuuki no Reason in particular. The songs seemed to encourage me to have hope and courage. I started to play the song again and let my feelings overtake me as I sang and played the piano.

Little did I know...

After I finished the song, I could feel a prescence near the threshold of my door. Dread filled me as I turned to face the prescence.

Mother.

"I guess you really love music, nee?" Mother whispered and her eyes seemed to soften.

I nodded. "Mother, it isnt your fault that Grandmother passed away."

She started at the piano wistfully. "It is my fault."

I shook my head. "Mother, can you sing the song with me?" I inquired without thinking.

She nodded after reflecting.

I arranged the scores and my fingers started to move.

(Italic+underline>> Singing)

I'm okay, everything's fine!

Though you may be sad, you have to answer

Everyone, please realize

That's not the real me, I'm just putting up a strong front

Why not try crying? Just a little

If I presented myself as someone different, could I change?

Ebbing and rising,

The waves of my heart wash me away

The strength to desire something this much

Is the passionate Reason in my chest

That's strange; I'm feeling fervent!

Once you've taken the first step, you've gotta run

Has everyone gone through this?

Everything starts to pick up; Ah, I can't stop

I think I want to give those things a try;

I'll walk forwards while counting them

Breaking and then retreating,

The shining waves filled my gaze

The spirit to dive into an unknown world
was the Reason born within me, why now?

Crying is a thing of yesterday

I feel like I can grow stronger now

Ebbing and rising,

The waves of my heart wash me away

The strength to desire something this much

It is the passionate Reason in my chest

As the last notes of Yuuki no Reason fade away, I stare at Mother.

Her face seemed...different. Her face seemed to be more relaxed.

"Mother, you don't need to put on a brave front. I believe Father and I love you vwry much. Grandmother's pasding isn't your fault..." I trailed off and smiled at Mother.

"Maki-chan, you do know I...I loved music right? Arigato, this song gave me a reason of courage. You're right, Maki-chan, it isn't my fault and I'm sure Oka-san (mother,in this case Maki's Grandmother) would want me to move on," Mother said and tears welled up in her eyes.

"I decided. You should continue music. Music is a gift that you posses and I should not blame music for Oka-san's passing. You love music so much. You are so passionate when it comes to music. I can't take it away from you," Mother said firmly and locked me in a tight embrace. Tears of joy trickled down my cheeks.

I did it! A dream come true! A miracle!

"Now, Maki-chan, can I hear that song over there? I believe it is called...Nawatobi?" Mother asked as she pointed to the stack of scores and squinted to read the song title aloud. Blue birds of happiness swooped over me, leaving me saturated with happiness. I could not wait to tell the others that I was not quitting music!

"Hai!"

That day, I realised that miracles do happen.

Fron that day onwards, my life pivoted a hundred and eighty degrees.