"Mio?"

Opening her eyes, Mio saw Ritsu looking up at her. "Why are you crying, Mio?"

The bassist's eyes widened. "Ritsu... You remember who I am?"

"What are you talking about? We've known each other since we were kids."

Mio's heart filled with happiness. She pulled her friend up and wrapped her arms around her. "Ritsu, welcome back."

Ritsu sat there confused. "Did I go somewhere?"

After some time, the 2 headed to the clubroom to get Mio's things. Opening the door, 3 heads turned towards them.

"You guys are still here?" Mio asked.

"Yui-sempai and Mugi-sempai insisted that we stay behind to wait for you two." Azusa explained.

"'Wait'?" Ritsu asked.

Mio smiled. "Mugi, I know it's late, but put some tea on."

As the evening sky coloured, the girls explained everything to Ritsu. When they finished, the drummer was silent.

"Ri-chan?" Yui asked. Ritsu then suddenly stood up and made her way to the middle of the room. Facing her friends, she threw her head forward in a deep bow.

"I'm sorry everyone. I can't believe I caused so much trouble for you all. This is all my fault. I'm so sorry."

"Ritsu..." Mio said.

"Mio. I'm so sorry for hitting you. It wasn't right."

"It's not your fault. You weren't yourself."

"That's no excuse for what I did, even though I'd lost my memories." Mio stood up and walked over to Ritsu. Grasping her shoulders, she pulled her up. "Mio?" Mio's penetrating gaze bored into Ritsu's eyes.

"As far as I'm concerned, what happened to you is ancient history now." She hugged her friend again. "I'm just happy you're back. So please don't attack yourself. You have your memories back, that's all that matters."

Tears slowly filled Ritsu's eyes. "Mio..." She raised her arms and hugged the bassist. "You are the best friend a person could ask for. Thank you."

Yui, Mugi and Azusa all smiled. It looked like everything was going to be alright. When they finished their tea and separated to head home, Mio walked with Ritsu.

"So, I guess this means you'll be back to getting me up again and possibly being late." Ritsu sighed.

Mio smiled. "I'm probably gonna regret this later, but I wouldn't have it any other way. While you were out of it, you were almost a model student. While I was a bit impressed at first, I came to miss the old you."

"How bad did I get?"

"Not only did you get up early and get to class early, you actually paid attention and took notes. And you actually did your homework. I think you even surprised Ms. Yamanaka with your diligence."

"Wow. I can't believe I changed so much. How come you didn't try to exploit that?"

"Well, after you blew up at me, I became a bit scared of you." Ritsu looked away, feeling guilty. Mio noticed her mistake. "Uh, like I said, that's in the past now. Don't worry about it."

Ritsu then stopped walking. "Ritsu?" Mio looked back at the drummer.

"Mio. I want you to do something for me."

"What is it?"

Ritsu dropped her head. "I want you to hit me."

"What? Ritsu..."

"Please Mio. I know it's been weeks since then, but I can't stop thinking about it. I don't think I'll feel better until you hit me back. Or at least, just slap me."

Mio was taken aback by this. "I don't know why I'm asking this. I just don't know. I only know that I really want this." Mio was quiet as she thought about this. After a couple of minutes, she spoke up.

"You're dead set on this, Ritsu?"

Looking up, Ritsu replied, "Yes."

Walking up to her, Mio looked straight at her friend. "You really want this?"

"Yes."

"*sigh* Okay, if you're sure about this, then I'll do it."

"Thanks." Mio balled her fist and raised her arm. Closing her eyes, Ritsu lowered her head.

Moments passed. "I don't know if I can do it. I very rarely hit you without reason."

"Just pretend I've done something really stupid."

"Okay." Closing her eyes, Mio tried to think of something Ritsu would do that would make her hit her. More time passed. Mio thought as hard as she could, but drew a blank.

"Mio, please. The suspense is killing me."

"I'm trying, but I'm not getting anything."

"Then just hit me! Don't think, just swing!"

Clenching her fist tighter, Mio said, "Dammit!" and swung. WHAM! Pain shot through Ritsu's skull. Holding her head, she looked up at Mio, smiling.

"Thanks Mio."

The bassist smiled back. "Sure." The friends then continued towards home. Arriving at Ritsu's place, they faced each other one final time.

"Well. I guess I'll be expecting an alarm call from you tomorrow."

"Yeah. I'll be here." They both smiled.

"You know, it's kind of good to be back."

"It's good to have you back. I prefer the normal you." Mio then hugged Ritsu again. "Just promise me you'll never leave me again."

"I promise, Mio. I'm not going anywhere." They held each other for a brief moment, then with a final farewell, Ritsu headed inside. After the door closed, Mio proceeded to return home herself.

THE END