Nico Yazawa's POV

That was the best lunch ever! I had lunch with my Maki-chan. Lunch is over so I'm back in my classroom.

"Nico-chi, where did you eat lunch? We didn't see you at lunch." Nozomi asked me.

"I just ate lunch on the rooftop." I replied.

"All alone?" Eli asked me. Should I say that I ate with Maki-chan? No. I won't.

"Yep. Is there a problem with that?" I said. Nozomi just shook her head and went back to her seat. Eli did the same.

Phew. That was a close one. Even though I'll say the truth, there's a possibility that they won't believe me.
Well, at least I've found someone that I love. I swear, Maki-chan, I will never leave your side.

*******************

Maki Nishikino's POV

I was really distracted during class after lunch. I can't stop thinking about Nico-chan. I kept looking at the window.

Classes ended after a few hours. Rin and Hanayo waited for me to get my things.

"You seem pretty distracted today, Maki-chan. Anything wrong?" Hanayo asked.

"I'm just fine. Well, yeah. I'm a little distracted." I replied. I left my school bag in my locker and got my practice clothes.

Hanayo and Rin got theirs too. We went to the locker room to change.

After changing, we went to the rooftop. When we got there, I saw Nico-chan holding a panda costume.

Wait, what? Panda costume? Is she serious?! She'll make me wear that?!

Nico-chan noticed me and walked over to me. "Here." Nico-chan said.

I didn't accept it. "What am I supposed to do with that?" I asked, using my usual tone.

Nico-chan pouted. "Come on, Maki-chan. Wear this." Nico-chan whispered.

"No way." I whispered back. Nico-chan glared at me. "You said you'll wear a panda costume for me. You're such a meanie." Nico-chan said to me, pouting.

Kotori walked over to us and tapped my shoulder. "Umm. Maki-chan? Will you please wear that? Nico-chan forced me to make that. All my effort will be useless if you don't wear that." Kotori explained.

"Yes, I agree. Kotori made that costume for you. You should at least wear it today." Eli said.

I sighed. "Okay fine." I said. Geez, Nico-chan. Be thankful I love you. Wait, what? I just sighed.

I went to the locker room to change. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I'm like a mascot because of the costume. How am I supposed to practice in this?

I made sure no one is around when I went out of the locker room. I ran as fast as I can to the rooftop.

Before going out to the rooftop, I sat down on the stairs. I need to catch my breath from all that running. This panda costume is kinda hot inside. Well, I don't have a choice.

I went out to the rooftop. I saw that they are already warming up.

Nozomi noticed me and stopped from warming up. "Oh my. Maki-chan's here." She announced.

The others stopped too and looked at my direction. "Aww. Maki is so cute!" Nico-chan said. I blushed.

"Maki-chan's blushing! So cute!" Honoka said, poking me.

"Stop it, Honoka." I pushed her hand away.

I looked seriously at the other members of μ's. "How am I supposed to practice in this costume?" I asked them. They all looked at one another and then nodded.

I raised my eyebrow in confusion. "You don't need to practice today, Maki. Well, that's according to Nico." Umi said.

Geez. Then why do I have to wear a panda costume? Nico-chan was about to say something when my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Sweetheart, it's me. I have something important to say to you."

I was suprised when I heard my father on the phone.

"What is it, Papa?"

"Can you come home early, sweetheart?"

"Sure thing. But why?"

"It's just important. Please come home early."

I sighed. I guess I have no choice then.

"Okay. I will."

"Bye, sweetheart."

He then turned off his phone. I turned to my friends.

"I need to go home early, guys. Papa said it's important." I said.

"Aww. That's too bad. We only get to see a Panda Maki for a little time." Honoka said, pouting.

"Geez, Honoka. Panda Maki? That's not nice to say to me." I said.

I picked up my bag and said goodbye to the other members. I was about to go downstairs but Nico-chan grabbed her bag and said she has something important to do at home.

Nico-chan smiled at me. I felt my face heat up. "Want me to accompany you home?" She asked, still smiling.

"So you ditched practice just to accompany me?" I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

Nico-chan pouted. She's always cute whenever she pouting. Wait, what?

"Aww. You don't want me to accompany you? I guess you don't love me that much huh? Okay then. I'll be going first." Nico-chan said.

"Nico-chan, wait!" I grabbed her hand tightly. "What is it?" She asked.

I blushed furiously. "I w-want y-you to a-accompany m-me." I muttered.

Nico-chan lifted my chin and smiled at me. "Sure. I'll accompany you." Nico-chan whispered.

That made me smile. I'm glad Nico-chan isn't mad at me. We went downstairs. Neither of us spoke a word.

It's kinda awkward because everytime we look at each other, I look away quickly.

"Is there something wrong, Maki-chan?" Nico-chan broke the silence.

I shook my head. "Oh, okay. Just tell me if something's wrong with you, okay?" Nico-chan said.

I smiled at her. "Sure. I promise." I replied. We reached my house a few minutes later.

"I'll be going now, Maki-chan. I'll text you later. Be sure to reply." Nico-chan said.

I nodded. Before she left, Nico-chan kissed me on my cheek. I blushed a little when she touched my hair.

"Don't hesitate to tell me when something happens, okay? I'm here for you so don't be scared." Nico-chan whispered.

I smiled. Nico-chan left after a few moments. I'm glad Nico-chan there for me. I have a shoulder to lean on if I have problems.

I went inside the house. "I'm home!" I called.

I saw that my father and mother are talking to each other. Papa noticed me, I think.

"Ah, Maki. I'm glad that you're back home early." Papa said, hugging me. I hugged back.

"Sweetheart, please sit down for a while and talk to your father. I'll get something to eat." My mother said. I just nodded in response.

"So, how's your day, sweetheart?" Papa asked me. "It's fine, Papa. I'm still the top student of my class too."  I replied.

"That's good to hear, Maki." Papa said. I stole a glance at the grand piano in the living room.

I think Papa noticed me looking at the piano. "Can you play a song on the grand piano, sweetheart? It's been a while since I heard you play." Papa asked me.

"Of course, Papa. But what song?" I replied. "Any song would do." Papa said. I nodded.

I went to the grand piano and sat down. I put my hands on the piano and before playing, I took a deep breath.

(A/N: In this part, play the video inserted in this chapter.)

I started playing the piano while singing.

I say... 
Hey, hey, hey, START:DASH!! 
Hey, hey, hey, START:DASH!!

ubuge no kotoritachi mo 
itsuka sora ni habataku 
ookina tsuyoi tsubasa de tobu

akiramecha dame na nda 
sono hi ga zettai kuru 
kimi mo kanjiteru yo ne 
hajimari no kodou

ashita yo kaware! 
kibou ni kaware! 
mabushii hikari ni terasarete kaware 
START!!

kanashimi ni tozasarete 
naku dake no kimi ja nai 
atsui mune kitto mirai o kirihiraku hazu sa 
kanashimi ni tozasarete 
naku dake ja tsumaranai 
kitto (kitto) kimi no (yume no) 
chikara (ima o) ugokasu chikara 
shinjiteru yo... dakara START!!

Hey, hey, hey, START:DASH!! 
Hey, hey, hey, START:DASH!!

"As expected, Maki. You're still good at playing the piano." Papa complimented me. I smiled a bit. It's rare that my father compliments me.

Mom came back with some tea and biscuits. She handed me a cup of tea and a small plate of biscuits. I thanked her.

I put down my plate and started drinking my tea. Hmm. As usual, Mom makes tea great.

Mom sat down beside my father. I noticed that they both looked at each other.

"Maki dear, there's something we need to tell you." Mom said. I stopped from drinking my tea and put it down.

"What is it?" I asked them, a little confused. Papa sighed.

"When you turn 18 years old, you're going to marry a man I chose." Papa said.

It took moments before it sinked in. What?! Arranged marriage?! No way!

I stood up, hitting the table. "What?! No, I don't want this!" I almost shouted.

"Maki, don't you dare raise your voice." Mom said sternly.

I walked back and forth, with my hands on my head.

"Please, sweetheart. I know you're upset but you need to marry that man I chose." Papa said, pleading.

"I don't want this!! You haven't asked me what I wanted! I already have someone I love! I won't let this happen!" I shouted.

I ran and went outside the house. I kept running until I reached Nico-chan's apartment. I was breathing heavily when I reached her apartment.

Nico-chan opened the door and I think she's shocked.

"Maki-chan wh-" I cut her off by hugging and letting my tears flow.

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