I am alive after 4 years of hitting a writer's block. To commemorate the global release of Love Live All Stars, I decided to continue this story. I've finished this chapter last week yet I can't publish because my girlfriend keeps taking my laptop. Anyway, here is chapter 8 and I think my writing style got rusty than before but please bear with me

DISCLAIMER: Love Live owns me but I can never claim Love Live as mine *winks

"Maybe it's not about the length of time you've known someone; maybe it's about instant recognition on an unconscious level. Our souls know each other." – S.E. Hall

"It's time to forgive yourself for never being able to love by halves" – W.P.

CHAPTER VIII

"Consequences and Sighs pt 2"

It's been already a week since her contractor started practicing for their principal Minami's birthday gift and already been a week since Maki always left her on her own during free time, break time and lunch.

Together, they were on their way into their school. They are on a train- their daily transportation.

At first, Nico really hates rush hours, she hates being swallowed by those people around her while entering the train, she hates being bumped by someone besides her and the thing that she really hates is that being squeezed on the middle of those people who is taller than her.

She hates rush hours on a train even if she rides the cab only for females.

But now, she always looks forward to riding the transportation, especially during rush hours.

Being separated during their free time made the former Idol look forward and treasure every single minute that she spends with her contractor.

Specifically during her intimate moments with Maki

"You now Nico-chan, we ran to get in line first"

"I am aware"

"So you could have a seat because I know you hate standing during rush hours"

"I know and too surprised that you know"

"Then why are you standing with me?"

"It's because you won't sit beside me"

Nico tried to end their conversation with a glare but Maki only raise one of her brows

"Humans need that seat more than I need it" Maki answered even she was lost in their conversation

"Is that the only reason?" Nico tried to hint the accident when the girl stumbled directly on Maki's arm back then, it irritates her and Maki being dense deepened the irritation. The chosen eyed her contactor and could see Maki's sincerity by not breaking the eye contact

"What other reason do you think I have?" Maki was irked by Nico's questioned and her answer sounds hostile than calm.

Nico didn't angrily retort but was surprised, it's been a long time since Maki answered her with that tone. The raven-haired girl's silence was caught by the red-haired and immediately felt sorry

"Nico-chan I am sorry, I didn't mean to sound-"

"It's fine I understand," Nico said calmly, "I think it's because you're done taking the medicine with an adverse effect" She smiled to reassure the contractor but Maki just avert her gaze and fell silent.

She's with Maki since she became too honest and it's enough for Nico to learn how Maki's mind works, like how she always felt too guilty on little things that she does that Nico wouldn't like.

And with that Nico knows how Maki holds her dearly.

"Being a tsundere isn't a bad thing you know?" Nico chuckled gently not wanting to tease the girl

Yet Maki is still silent

"Hey" Nico cups both of her cheeks and made the red-haired girl face her "Why do you always think that I am going to get mad?"

If the incident didn't happen, if Maki didn't become open like this to her, Nico would surely won't realize that her contractor was just like the other humans.

Full of insecurities and doubts because of the uncertainty of this world.

"Do you think I am that kind of person?"

"No, you're not Nico-chan"

A girl disguising as a strong woman who doesn't need others' help.

"I- may be back then, just because I don't know you yet, but right now it's different" The chosen caressed Maki's cheeks

"You won't hate me even I revert to my old self?" Maki questioned with fear on her voice and eyes silently pleading that she'll hear what she wanted to hear from Nico

But in the end, she also needs reassurance from the others

"No, I won't. I promise"

Not now I know the reasons for your past actions, that everything you've done before and after I met you was all for me.

"Thank you Nico-chan" Maki gave a tired smile as she leans on one of Nico's hand, after seconds of enjoying its warmth she withdraws it to place a kiss on Nico's hand

"I'm glad you're the human I fell in love with"

Yes, moments like this are what Nico treasures the most. She's supposed to be used to Maki's advances but for some reason, she can't. She always has an effect on her.

Me too I'm glad you are my contractor

As if Nico could say it. Instead, Nico gave Maki her smile

The smile that reaches her eyes. Maki recognize that smile immediately

It's one of the reasons why she fell in love with the chosen and it didn't change since she first met Nico.

Maki was really grateful that she could examine how Nico's lips turned upwards in such a close range. She never thought that she can stand beside the girl she loves without hiding her presence

Her emotions overflow but she can't cry right now.

The raven-haired girl who's conscious of every action of her contractor got astonished when she saw Maki closing the distance between them. She receives a gentle kiss on the middle of her nose and the contractor rest her forehead into Nico's

"I think I am in-love with Nico-chan more than I thought"

"Hey"

"Oh, Nicocchi"

"Can I join? Am I not going to disturb the two of you?"

"No, it's okay." Eri gave a cheerless reply and the low energy made Nico observe her.

It's time for lunch and they were on the cafeteria, Nico decided to join the two when she saw them. Maki, as usual, was busy in the music room and it's been a long time since the three eat together.

"I've missed this" Nozomi normally replied.

Knowing these two since they start high school, she knows something happened.

There is it again.

Her mask of smiles

Nozomi is putting up a façade again.

"When was the last time we asked you to eat with us?" Nozomi continues "Who would've thought that you would volunteer yourself"

Nico didn't play along with Nozomi's façade and look at Eri. The blonde isn't at her usual energy since morning.

"Did something happened between the two of you?" Nico didn't hesitate and didn't beat around the bush.

Eri flinched and Nico wasn't surprised that she was right.

"Excuse me, I am going to buy some desserts for us" Eri immediately replied, she was too honest to conceal her nervousness.

Nico watched Eri stand and make her way towards the store and then retreated her gaze, sit on the available chair and glare at Nozomi. The purple-haired girl raises her hands as if she's giving up.

"You haven't change Nicocchi"

"Nozomi"

The purple-haired girl tried to laugh it off but the raven-haired girl's tone is serious. It made Nozomi sigh.

"I honestly don't know" Luckily Nozomi didn't change or try to avoid the topic. Nico could see how much it affects the chosen. Nozomi's brows furrowed as she stares on her intertwined hands. "One night I woke up from a nightmare and saw Ericchi crying" She unconsciously gripped her hand "I tried to talk to her about it but she's always dodging that topic"

Silence fell to them. The raven-haired chosen decided to give her friend time to express herself while listening carefully.

"Ever since that night, Ericchi always avert her eyes when talking to me and keep everything minimum as if she was avoiding me" Nozomi heavily exhales "I don't know what to do anymore but to act normal around her"

"You've been with her for almost 3 years, you still don't know how to handle your girlfriend?"

"She's not my girlfriend, we are just best friend Nicocchi" Nozomi insist and Nico just replies by raising one of her brows indicating that she's unconvinced and tired with this. The purple head chosen faked a cough resisting the blush that she knows will come "Anyway, This is kind of different than our usual misunderstanding"

"Two of you should fix it already or she might get stolen by some of her admirers now that she's surprisingly getting popular day by day"

"It'll never happen"

"You sound confident Nozomi" Nico rest her chin on her hand as she waits for the other girl's reply but it didn't come. She knows the reason, Nico was about to talk about that taboo topic "I know that you are aware already how the dork blonde loves you and you can't fool me by saying that you didn't feel the same-"

"T-this isn't easy as it sounds Nicocchi" Nozomi didn't let Nico finish, her lips were trembling as she finds the right words to explain everything to the other girl. Her Mask was completely taken off.

But she still tried to smile while she continues

"I can see that things between you and Maki-chan are getting good" Nozomi failed to wear her mask and Nico noticed it.

The raven-haired girl couldn't reply, it's a rare occurrence that Nozomi is letting her see this side of her.

"Of course it would be"

Nico could only watch her as she struggles with every word that she's saying.

"After all both of you were a contractor and its chosen"

The raven-haired girl become confused when she heard it and at how the girl in front of her is trying her hard not to let her tear run on her cheeks

I-is she on the verge of tears?

"Did you know Nicocchi that the contractors and its chosen are expected to develop feelings with each other's because they shared the same soul and same bond?" Nozomi tried to smile "except for the contractors that are already in love with their chosen. But its chosen will definitely develop their feelings towards their contractors"

Nozomi failed to keep the smile and let the tears flow as she explains further

"It's not easy as it sounds because my conscience won't take the thought that Ericchi love me genuinely while I love her just because I am her chosen" Nozomi is now trying to hide her face using her handkerchief " I can never love Ericchi genuinely just like how she loves me"

Then Nico realize her current situation with her red-haired contractor

"Honoka-chan, Umi-chan and others know about this but didn't care as much as I do since they're already fallen with each other before they become pair"

It's the same with her purple-haired friend and the dork blonde

'This explains the bizarre things that I noticed with myself'

The listening raven-haired girl was cut off from what Nozomi was saying, her hands sweat more than usual even it felt so cold. She can't hear anything, her sense of hearing was blocked with the information that she just learned.

'So I am going to end up like Nozomi? The feelings that I am harboring right now is just because I was chosen by my contactor'

"Only our Deity knows everything about my unrequited love for you"

She remembered her conversation with Maki that day

-Unrequited

'Did she know everything about this?'

Nico bit her lips and her deep thought help her not to feel the pain.

'And she's fine with it?'

"Nicocchi"

'But no, I won't be'

"Hey, Nicocchi"

Nico got startled and look at the girl in front of her, she was caught in deep thought that she didn't realize that Nozomi was already wearing a façade again. She was flabbergasted, it's as if the Nozomi who was on the verge of tears is just an imagination.

"Are you worried about my current situation with Ericchi? Or things between you and Maki-chan?"

"No, It's just…." The raven-haired girl chosen trailed off

"You don't need to worry about us Nicocchi" Nozomi immediately reassured "Especially with your feelings with Maki-chan"

'Eh? What does that mean?'

"If you're thinking that we are in the same situation, No were not" Nozomi smiled almost motherly

"Sorry but I can't follow your thoughts anymore" Nico replied even though she's completely baffled

Maki was in love with her and Nico didn't know it until the Hellion incident. Nico knows herself, she never met Maki back then and what she felt for the girl since she met her was hatred.

But why Nozomi is telling her all of this?

"Later on you'll realize something unimaginable. Just trust me"

The Great Fall, Evicted, Hellions.

All of these were just terms to her back then.

She didn't even know the possibilities of meeting one or becoming one of them. Just because an evicted fell for her and became it's chosen.

Nishikino Maki, her contractor who shared half of her soul to her

Even she didn't know her, the contractor watches her from afar and tried to protect everything that Nico treasured behind her back.

Even though Nico shows acrimony towards the other girl, Maki still thinks what's best for the raven-haired girl.

Maki had done enough, she didn't deserve this.

Is this what Nozomi always feel?

Shame. Guilt. Remorse.

If Nozomi can't do anything about it then what can she do?

She's lost even though she's not dumb.

Nico knows that she's in the middle of the process being a contractor and chosen.

She was absorbed with these thoughts when she heard Maki enter and walk beside her bed. Nico was already tucked on it while waiting for the contractor to come home from her practice. Principal Minami's birthday is tomorrow so the red-haired contractor got home later than usual.

"Nico-chan?" Maki called but the said girl didn't reply. The raven-haired girl's back was facing her and can't see if she's still awake yet she tries again "Are you already asleep?"

Nico felt that Maki walk further to see her sleeping face so she closed her eyes and fake her breathing.

She knows that later on, she'll do something like this.

Avoid Maki

She admires Nozomi now who can face Eri as if nothing is happening between them.

It's not like she didn't want to see the contractor, it's just because she cannot build the courage to face Maki.

Shame. Guilt. Remorse.

No matter what she does and says to herself, her emotions were pulling her down with her courage.

Then she felt Maki raise the comforter a little and tuck herself in the same bed

"Tadaima Nico-chan" Maki gently said not wanting to wake up the other girl. She faces the back of Nico and spooned her "I missed you"

The contractor's breath reaches the chosen's ear and Nico forgot to breathe for a second. The girl behind her pull her closer and buries her head into Nico's raven lock as if she felt lonely.

The proximity of their body made Nico feel the erratic heartbeat on Maki's chest.

-Or is it her?

She doesn't know anymore.

She doesn't care about harboring these emotions just because she's a chosen. She'll do what she wants to do right now. Doing the same things that Nozomi had already done won't give her a different answer.

Maybe, just 'maybe', she can accomplish different result by walking in the opposite direction that Nozomi has taken

It might sound selfish but she really hopes that what she chooses right now is the best for them.

"Okaeri Maki-chan" Nico replied with her eyes still closed. She didn't receive any reply but she felt Maki got tensed and almost draw back her hand but Nico pulled them hard to keep Maki from hugging her

Why does Maki want to run in the first place?

"I- I thought you were already asleep N-n-Nico-chan…"

Nico heard it, her contractor was stuttering, her voice becomes small when calling her name and her heartbeats become erratic than earlier

She shifted her body to turn around and then she saw Maki in full-blown blush, she's averting her eyes so she won't die because of embarrassment. Nico further pulls Maki's hand around her body and the girl finally looks into her with a dumbfounded look.

This intimacy and proximity

The chosen noticed that she can kill the red-haired girl like this, she even stopped breathing for a second while being lost with Nico's glistening ruby's eyes then after a minute Maki's gaze shifted into Nico's lips. The raven-haired girl saw how Maki swallow the lump in her throat.

One lean and she can capture those sweet lips, she can taste again those tempting lips.

Until Maki saw these tempting lips turning into a sly smile.

The contractor immediately got embarrassed with the thought that Nico saw her staring at her lips

"W-what are you doing? N-ni-Yazawa"

"What are you talking about? For these past few weeks, doing this sort of thing is already natural between us. Isn't it Nishikino?" Nico sounds playful. She didn't know but she's too happy that her old contractor was back

It's not like she doesn't like the honest Maki.

The contractor wants to retort, it's her defense mechanism during her embarrassment. She opened her mouth but their current position block all the possible comeback. She fell silent instead

"Did you know? I missed you too Maki-chan" Nico giggles and got amazed that Maki can still blush further, her face is already the same color with her favorite tomatoes. "You always run towards the music room every single free time that we could have"

"I- I am sorry"

Silence came again and Nico could only feel Maki's heartbeat

"I also missed the old Maki-chan" Nico said quietly and softly as she observes Maki's face up this close. Her gaze leisure into the amethyst orbs that reflects her own image, the frowning brows that she's too familiar, the cheeks that she often sees when Maki smile, the perfect jawline and the seductive smooth looking lips that capture hers once.

Everything about her contractor is perfect

"I-Is that so?" Maki once again look away from the chosen, the look that Nico gave her is so tempting. She's glad that she can still control herself

"Yeah, especially that frown and blush. Back then I always thought that you're getting angry that's why you're reddening"

"Are you teasing me?"

"Ah, it deepened"

Maki felt that her hands got release and saw that Nico reach her forehead between the two brows and ran her fingers towards it. At first, her chosen's touch burns but her frowned relaxed after it.

"Yazawa-"

"Nico" The chosen interfere "I like it when you call me by my given name"

"T-then N-Nico-chan" Maki shyly ask

"Yes? What is it?" Nico rests her free hand on her contractor's cheeks and caresses it. She really loves doting on this red-haired girl

"I know it is sudden. C-can I hug you again?"

"Of course. You can, even without my permission"

"T-then" Maki didn't hesitate anymore, she enfolds the raven-haired girl with her warm. Nico's head was resting on Maki's bosom. Hugging Nico felt like home, so comfortable and warm. All her exhaustion is immediately drained away.

If only she could hug Nico forever.

"Maki-chan?" Nico called and receives a hum. Nico soon felt that Maki was playing with her hair. "Did you know about the consequences of being a contractor and a chosen?" Nico carefully said the words afraid that Maki will avoid the topic

"Yes, that the contractors will gradually lose their abilities-"

"Not that"

The raven-haired chosen immediately felt Maki's breath hitch for a second then slowly exhale but her tense shoulder didn't relax

"That the chosen will later on develop romantic feelings for its contractor. Yeah, I am fully aware of it. But Nico-chan that doesn't mean that I use this opportunity to make you love me"

"I know" Nico sighed, thanking their Deity that Maki didn't dodge the sensitive topic "However, are you really fine with this Maki-chan?"

"Not being loved back or being loved back, I don't care about those things." Maki tightened her hug unconsciously "As long as I can see you again smiling even its not for me, I am contented enough"

The raven-haired chosen realize that Maki's voice began to tremble yet she continued

"I am simple as it seems, I don't want to think about complicated things anymore" she paused trying to calm herself "So Nico-chan shouldn't worry about those complicated things too"

Nico couldn't help but smile. What her contractor said brought too much impression to her as if those serious thoughts were only small problems. That Nico shouldn't even think about those. It seems Maki already thought about this many times than her.

It only takes a second to crumble Nico's weak resolve

Maybe, just 'maybe', that being with Maki she could be simple too

"Sure" she giggles, her contractor being honest with the side effect of drugs is much cuter. "I am sorry for bringing it up Maki-chan"

"No problem as long it's you, Nico-chan"

Maybe, just 'maybe', that she's falling with the girl with the exception of being a chosen.

"Welcome to Principal Minami's Birthday event!"

The Master of ceremonies greeted everyone in the open school fields, a stage was set up and the whole student of Otonokizaka High school was obliged to watch the event. Who wouldn't attend the day without classes for the whole day?

The students went wild upon hearing that the program is starting

Nico, Nozomi, and Eri smiled at the enthusiasm of everyone. They're one of the audience while the others are on the backstage together with the performers. They are helping Maki to prepare.

"Feel free to shout your excitement Nicocchi"

Nozomi cheerfully said Nico didn't know if she's teasing or not

"You don't need to tell me" The raven-haired girl chosen replied nonchalantly "I am going to, if I feel it" She looks into Nozomi, she was grinning, getting caught up with everyone's excitement.

"Well, we only have months left on this school, might as well enjoy events like this"Eri commented while Principal Minami is starting to give her speech on stage.

There, Nico observes her two friends, Nozomi is getting giddily then she looks at Eri who was with her usual composure, totally opposite during their lunch at the cafeteria.

Nico scoots towards Eri and the blond notice it.

"Is something wrong Nico"

"Are you fine now?" Nico whispered

"Not yet, and I will not be" Eri replied, her smile was completely gone now and was replaced by strained smile "I am just trying to relish on everything before-"

The crowd gives their round of applause, they shouted, talks and whispers to each other.

"-I lose Nozomi" The blond contractor still continues not minding the noise that interrupts her. Nico didn't hear these last word but she saw that Eri was wearing an agonized expression.

But it immediately shifted into a troubled expression when she saw some students unusually greeting their ex-president with a flush in their faces and after Eri awkwardly greet the girls they will squeal in delight.

Nico looks at Nozomi, hoping for some for the reaction but she was too preoccupied with the performance of the unknown club on stage

What the Hell Nozomi. Is that more important that your dork contractor?

Nico furrowed her brows. She can't read Nozomi, Is she acting like she didn't know what's happening on their surroundings right now?

"Aren't you getting too popular with the students these past few weeks?" Nico commented and Eri gave a weak laugh

"Before I enter Otonoki, I used my ability to the students, so they won't see me in a romantic way. But I got weak, or so my ability, that's why those students are now….you know"

"Giving you such a dreamy look" Nico continues knowing that Eri finds it awkward to say.

"I know that this is going to happen before I attend this school. It's not like they are a bother but I didn't really want Nozomi to get jealous "

Nico finds it cute that the clever and composed blonde can blush just by saying her chosen's name

"I really think that the two of you were made for each other"

Eri just gave a brittle smile

After that, the blonde contractor didn't reply and pursue the conversation anymore

The event continues as well as the performance and finally, the long-awaited performance of the infamous Nishikino Maki is about to begin

Right now there's a single grand black piano standing on the stage, waiting to be played.

The high tension of the audience immediately lessen and they started to whisper about the rumored girl.

Principal Minami was different though, she's waiting with great anticipation.

"Are you excited to hear the songs that Maki-chan had practice just for you Nicocchi?"

Nico produces a tint of blush upon hearing this. The purple-haired chosen was definitely teasing her

"In our world, Maki is the most gifted in music. That's why I wonder why Maki still practiced for this day" the contractor added

"I-is that so" Nico replied, she didn't want to act interested.

"It's because she wants to have the songs mastered before you hear them. Knowing Maki, she won't accept anything less than a perfect performance for Nicocchi" Nozomi gives a Cheshire grin

"What's your problem Nozomi". She's getting irked but instantly look towards the stage when she heard that the audience became silent and got awe because of the appearance of her red-haired contractor

Maki was wearing an alluring black suit and a vest inside, while her hair was fixed in a low ponytail on her side. Kotori really knows her job.

Then Nico saw the red necktie with white musical patterns on it. She smiles broadly. Maki wears the necktie that Nico bought for her.

Maki stop in front of the bench of the piano and look directly towards Nico, she bows her head and smiles at her before sitting. The contractor didn't even give spare time to glance at the other audience. This made Nico blush furiously then glare at the student who followed Maki's gaze.

The pianist unbuttoned her suit, rest her feet on a pedal and place her hands over the keys.

"Hey isn't she handsome?"

Hearing this made Nico twitched her eyebrows. Some of the students are talking about how attractive the redhead is. And she doesn't like it.

Don't leer over my contractor!

It can't be helped, even Nico finds it erotic when Maki slowly unbuttoned her suit and how Maki loosen her necktie just right now.

The pianist shows no hesitation as she started to produce a melody by pressing the keys. Maki was displaying her confidence and even a single nervousness can't be seen in her figure as if it's a daily occurrence in her life.

As if she was born to play the instrument.

Nico is watching how calm her contractor and how absorbed she is by playing the piano and finally noticed that Maki was playing a piece of familiar music.

All of the students face Nico. Who wouldn't know the song composed and sang by the most popular Idol back then.

"Sakkaku Crossroads" Nico unconsciously speak her thoughts. She was totally surprised and didn't even mind the students who are staring at her. She never thought that Maki will play one of her songs. She became entranced with the skills of Maki and can't help to feel nostalgic upon hearing her own song. "The last song I've made before I quit being an Idol"

She wrote this song and it was dedicated to her siblings who died but the song somehow came out as a song for a lover.

The emotions resurface but the pain isn't as deep as back then. There is also Kuroki, her mysterious pianist who always lifts her spirits up, then Nico scowls. The feeling of being betrayed by the person whom you really adore brings painful emotions and unwanted sufferings.

She doesn't want to think about it anymore and try to savor every melody that Maki is making instead.

The enchanting and seductive melody of the song can be heard all throughout the campus.

After a couple of minutes, the song was ended by the pianist, she stays silent for a while the same with the audiences. She decided to move on with her second song but before she could, a large round of applause was heard.

"I always notice her lack of social skills but I never thought that she's good with piano"

"A genius, talented and good looking. Seriously I never thought that someone like her exist"

"Is she dating someone right now?"

"Isn't she always with Yazawa-san?"

"Are they in a relationship with each other?"

"I don't know but she only looks at Yazawa earlier"

The birth of rumors are starting in front of Nico, she doesn't know what to feel. She wanted to feel possessive when she heard others complimenting her contractor but at the same time embarrassed about the gossips around them.

Maki just leave a strong impression on them right now. The audience never gave such a response to a performance on the previous club that performed.

The sound of piano started again not waiting for the audience to become silent however the melody alone of the Piano was enough to make them.

Another familiar song was heard

'This time it's Fuyu ga kureta yokan' Nico smiled

It's one of the favorite songs that she wrote and it also the song that made her fans back then acknowledge her and love her.

More memories are coming back but she can say that she didn't regret quitting the industry.

Nico heard some students in front of them humming, she smiled and hummed together with them.

Hearing that the original composer of song hummed, the other students followed one by one. All of the people got caught and stricken with the slow rhythm and emotions of the lyrics being conveyed.

Everyone got united by just singing a single song.

A single song that she composed and sang

She never thought that she could see again her song uniting everyone by singing it just like back then.

She couldn't agree more that this will become one of her memorable day.

Nico sang the song while she pours more emotions than she poured when she first recorded the song as an album. She continues singing with all of her heart until she felt that someone is smiling towards her direction and there she saw Maki with a contented smile. The Raven-haired girl got flabbergasted for a minute and suddenly felt a very familiar gentleness that her mysterious pianist always make her feel whenever she's glad for Nico.

"No way" Nico uttered

Kuroki introduced herself as her mysterious pianist and she's already dead. But the familiar gentleness on how the piece was being played – She couldn't be wrong. She watched and saw many pianists back then and she couldn't find this familiar gentleness on how they played.

This gentleness – Her mysterious pianist is the only one who could play a piece with it.

"Nozomi!"

Nico was immediately cut off from her thoughts when she heard a scream, she turned her body where the scream came from and there was Eli on the ground carrying her unconscious chosen on her lap.

Luckily only some of the students near them heard and saw this while the other's attention was still preoccupied with Maki's performance.

"What happened?" Nico's voice was full of concern, she was about to reach for Nozomi's body but before she could do. Eli lifted Nozomi with her arms and hurriedly ran towards the direction of their school's clinic.

Nico didn't give a second thought to follow Eri behind.

Nico could see that Eri was running as if her life depends on it, she carries Nozomi as if the chosen's weights is nothing for her.

The blond contractor was fast more than a mere human like her so Nico immediately lost the figure of Eri.

The melody from the piano was resonating around the school, Nico wants to watch Maki as she plays with the usual gentleness that Nico knew so well. She wanted Maki to look at her and confirm everything that she just realizes but she's concerned with what happened with Nozomi.

She got tired immediately and decided to walk towards the clinic, she can feel and hear her heart beating faster than the sound of her footsteps in an empty hallway.

Finally, she reached her destination and slide the door in front of her.

The raven-haired girl tried to understand the events before her.

She can see Nozomi lying in a bed, her gifted bosom was rising and falling during each breath while Eri is kneeling beside her, holding Nozomi's hand as if she was praying.

"She's not dead you know"

Nico tried to ease the mood by dropping a funny side comment, she waits for a reply from Eri while she focused steadying her breath while walking towards the pair.

But the contractor remained silent

"What happened?"

Nico decided to pursue the conversation, she reaches for the blonde's shoulder to caress it and noticed that Eri tighten her hold on Nozomi's arms.

"We are talking about Nozomi, I am sure she's going to be fine"

"Today, I've lost my ability" Eri finally speak with a lonesome tone on her voice

Nico got confused, Kuroki and the other rebel Hellions are gone now Tsubasa got them already taken care of. Eri shouldn't be concerned about losing her ability

"Is that still a probl-"

"Nozomi is going to know everything now" The contractor cut what Nico was about to ask. Eri finally turned around and there Nico saw the face that she is giving

With a mere minute from the school grounds, Eri had gotten look so weak, her usual composed figure was gone and was replaced by the nervous and afraid looking girl in front of Nico.

"What are you talking about?"

"What am I supposed to do now Nico?" Eri tried to laugh her current situation " Nozomi is going to hate me just like back then" Then Eri hangs her head low she was staring at the floor with a blank expression "I'm going to lose Nozomi again"

Nico was lost for words as she tried to think what does Eri means. A pregnant pause was enough for her to comprehend the meaning of Eri's expressions, actions, and words.

"Did-" Nico was hesitating, she didn't know what she's supposed to feel about the realization that she had, yet she continues by carefully finding the right words " you also use your ability on Nozomi?" Nico gulped the lump on her throat. Awaiting for the reply, more like a confirmation from the contractor.

But the only reply she got was the repressed sobs. Eri was trying to restrain herself to not awaken the purple-haired girl in front of her, She was trying so the nightmare that she experienced back then won't repeat yet.

"Eri-"

"Nico, please can you promise me a thing?"

The chosen pause for a little, the contractor isn't even denying on what she's been accused of, Nico was receiving too much information

"S-Sure, what is it?"

Eri asks without facing the raven-haired girl, Nico can't tell if she's already crying or not. Nevertheless, she asked Nico with fear on her voice

"Can you always look after her? If she had enough of what's happening between us, can you support her? Don't make her do things that will harm her and always keep an eye on her"

The sudden request surprised Nico but she need to talk to Eri, she can't let her friend succumb into her despair

"Why are you making it sound like your going to leave her?"

"Not me but Nozomi might"

"Then don't make her leave you"

"Please Nico, It's not for me but for Nozo-"

"Look!" Nico couldn't contain her irritation, Eri wouldn't even look at her so how can she even make her point reach the blonde "I don't know what happened before you used your ability to her but don't make the same mistakes again, talk to her properly and after that, whatever happens, I'll be there, not just as Nozomi's friend but yours too"

Eri could only stay silent while thinking about what Nico just said and even if Nico couldn't see, her expression was comparable to someone who got splashed with a bucket of freezing water. The raven-haired girl was right, she's making the same mistake again and she'll definitely lose her chosen for the 2nd time. The contractor was already prepared for this situation – mentally, but she never thought that facing the situation when it's already in front of her was different. She considered every possibility but never the odds that Nozomi will forgive her.

"Man-up Eri" Nico cut her thoughts "even if you're not a man"

The follow up made the atmosphere lighten up a little, the blonde chuckled.

"I know you love Nozomi to the point that you can't live without her, but at least trust her Eri, trust the woman you love, trust the feelings you harbor for her, after all that devotion gave Nozomi a second life, a second chance."

The blonde contractor slowly turned while wiping some of her tears, trying to make herself presentable. The calm, cool and sensible Eri were nowhere to be found, Nico decided not to comment on it.

"Then is it alright if I ask something different from what I asked earlier?"

"Sure"

"Can you make sure that I will not lose my devotion on making Nozomi forgive me and remind me who I am whenever I am disheartened?" the blonde contractor asked, Nico can hear how serious her request are thru the weight of Eri's voice "Watch over us Nico"

"Of course I will" Nico scoot over Eri and gently hug her "that's what friends are for"

Comforting Eri ate all of her time but she didn't regret a single thing, they are her best friends, during the times when she was cheerless and low spirited they stayed with her and it's time to return the favor. She didn't want to leave Eri but she can't shake off the feeling that she's having when she already found the 'real' pianist that's been with her during the good and her bad times thru different support than her friends-

Excitement

Why won't she be excited when her contractor was currently playing the song that she's been playing every time she is alone in their clubroom. Aishiteru Banzai is Nico's favorite song and it's all because of the certain contractor.

She's trying to find her since the first time she heard the song but it's difficult to find someone who doesn't want to be found. So she let her be, she got contented with their interactions through music.

And now that she revealed herself, her real pianist not that damned hellion Kuroki, Nico will definitely make her explain herself and answer all of her questions

Maki-chan

"You can go now Nico, I'm going to be fine" Eri gave a knowing look and smiled at her "I'm sure that Maki is waiting for you, I can't steal you from her"

Nico felt guilty at first, was she really that easy to read?

"Are you sure?"

"I'm going to be fine, we are going to be fine. I'll see you later"

And she did

It was already dark outside yet she runs toward the school field without minding the people looking at her. The petite girl was running as fast as she could, Kotori and others saw her and gave her lovely smile while directing her where she could see the redhead pianist

'Maki-chan told us that she'll be waiting for you behind the building of the clubrooms'

The raven-haired chosen didn't waste a second, her lungs are burning while her steps are getting slower from the lack of physical activities but she didn't care, she needs to see her contractor immediately.

"M-Maki!"

She caught a glimpse of the redhead and shouted, through her voice, it's notable that she's having a hard time breathing, her knees felt so weak that they might buckle anytime soon.

Maki was standing in the middle of the grass field with a large distance between them. Maki knows that it is Nico even it's just a silhouette

From her petite frame,undersized-height, Nico's silky hair that danced together with the air.

Maki will always know if it's Nico

How she walks unto her, how her frown that is gradually being visible on her face, how her melodious voice brings warmth and make her heart swell

"Nico-chan…"

Being love-struck, Maki can't tear her gaze on the approaching chosen, she calls her name but can't find any words to describe the overflowing feelings that she's having. She had been patient for the whole time, concealing her feelings, concealing her presence, concealing her identity. It's time for her to become selfish. From now on she'll face Nico with honesty.

She didn't wait for Nico to reach her, she slowly walks to meet her chosen halfway.

Without a second thought, she made sure that the petite chosen was enveloped in her arms, she felt Nico stiffen on the sudden gesture but that made her tightened her arm around Nico. She will never get used to the warmth that Nico gives.

"Maki-chan" The raven-haired girl's voice is a little bit muffled "Can you at least loosen your-"

"I'm really sorry Nico that my incompetency gave you a terrifying experience" A soft and tender voice reaches her ears "If you could give me one more chance-"

Nico can feel her own heartbeat in sync with Maki's pounding heart. A simple hug and whisper on her ear can make her sense heightened. She becoming conscious of how fervor Maki is.

"I'll never let you go again" Maki's words reverberate on Nico's " I swear to our Deity"

Nico felt the gravity of Maki's words, she was dumbstruck for a moment thinking of what she can reply until Maki loosen her hold and put her hand on her cheeks to caress it- to assure her. This made Nico raise her gaze

Ruby met Amethyst

Maki is a woman of few words but her eyes that reflect her heart was enough for Nico to understand her

Raven haired girl finally manages to open her mouth

"You don't need to prove yourself anymore Maki" Nico started wishing that her feelings can reach Maki even with these simple messages "You and I are standing beside each other, facing each other, looking at each other. Despite the fact that I never thought that It would be you 'pianist-san' I've always wanted to see you and meet you."

"I'm sorry. At first, I only wanted to cheer you by making it look like that someone was in the piano room playing a random melody but never thought it will continue, I guess part of me wanted you to recognize my presence even if you don't really know who I am"

"Why didn't you tell me about it after the hellion accident?"

"I assumed that you will never believe me"

"Maybe I'll doubt you but I'll believe you"

"To be honest things are starting to go well between us so I don't want to do things that will ruin what I've always wanted to have."

'What I've always wanted to have'

Nico reddened upon hearing this. Maki dreamt to be with her, to talk to her, to stand beside her and to be affectionate to her.

"Just how much do you love me Maki-chan?" Nico gave an amused chuckle

"I love you Nico-chan so much that I can't get away from the attraction when I first met you, even if I did just a simple smile from yours always pulls my heartstrings. I am trapped in the cycle so I gave up ended up loving you more than yesterday and less than tomorrow"

Nico was stunned, she still can't believe that she's talking to Maki with her bare feelings. Nico looks at Maki's face as if checking if she's really her contractor.

"Nico-chan" Maki continued not giving her chosen a second to recover from being surprise "You didn't answer my previous request yet"

If you could give me one more chance….

"Ah.." Nico's mouth was agape, she just remembered Maki asked her

I'll never let you go again..

"Of course Maki-chan. There's nothing we can do because we are already stuck with each other" Nico gave an innocent smile

"I just wanted to ask you properly. I wanted to know that you're not against the idea that I'll re-seal our contract again"

Nico's having an internal turmoil right now, it's as if she's riding an emotional roller coaster. Knowing how to make a contract made her nervous and fidgety.

-A kiss

"A-are we.." going to do it right now?

Nico's word's died on her mouth, the flush on her cheeks was enough to tell that she's anticipating it. She's conscious on every Maki's movement so much that she hadn't heard Maki calling her

"Nico-chan!"

"Y-yes?! What?"

"I said I wanted to show you something before we go back"

"What is it?"

"Take one step back"

Nico didn't question Maki, she squirms from Maki's hold and when Maki let go she took a step backward. She assessed their surroundings, it has gotten really dark but the fun on the near school field is still on-going, they are alone in the middle of the grass field and their only source of light was the small number of fireflies flying around them. When a pregnant silence fell to them Nico return her gaze to her contractor

Maki was standing upright with her usual composed look. Her gaze was burning right through her.

Until Maki release a shaky breath. Nico pondered upon seeing this.

However it didn't last long when Nico saw Maki elegantly spreading her alluring snow colored wings, Nico couldn't tear her gaze away from it, she already saw it twice but didn't have time to appreciate it's beauty. Maki flaps it once and then twice that causes a sudden strong strike of air around them.

Their surrounding brightened, As if being disturbed on their rest, the fireflies take flight as soon as the sudden wind disturbed their homes. Nico's vision was illuminated by a large number of small lights and in the middle of it was Maki with her open wings.

Her calm demeanor was gone and she was hugging herself as if she's afraid, but on what?

"Nico-chan, This is who I am. I want you to know that I am not innocent and divine like the heavenly beings that you expected. I was evicted because of the great sin that I committed without my knowledge"

Nico noticed that Maki was about to continue where she left off but she beat her into it

"They are beautiful" the chosen gave an awestruck response.

Her contractor was truly majestic, No wonder why Kuroki fell in love with Maki. Her wings look so sacred, that even the greatest sinner will ask to be blessed upon touching it.

"W-what are you.." Maki tried, however got speechless. Her face can be compared to her hair. She never expected her chosen to compliment her. Cause Nico never compliment her

"Come here" Nico calls her, gesturing her to walk close to her. Maki hesitated slightly confuse about what Nico want on her yet did what Nico asked. The contractor slowly lessen their distance

"Close your eyes"

"What? Why?"

"Just close it" Nico's voice sounds very authoritative that Maki follows her chosen without a second thought "Don't ever open them without me telling you so"

There was a pregnant moment of silence, where Maki waits what Nico is going to do. She tries to listen to what's happening in front of her but she can't hear anything. Neither Nico's breath or the rustling of the grass just the uproar from the students because there are bands playing.

Without her knowledge Nico was standing in front of her, taking several deep breaths, slowly exhaling it to make herself calm. She didn't know what she just wanted to do, she will definitely be going to lead this and she's unprepared however Nico wants to express her gratitude.

1 minute passed, 2, 3 and counting until Nico decided with a thought that she's prolonging her agony. Nico somehow relieved that Maki was patiently waiting

But that's what she thought

"Nico? I'm getting uncomfortab-"

Maki opens her eyes with worry that Nico ran away from her

Instead, she was welcomed with a sensation of hands holding her shoulders and a close-up view of her chosen. Both eyes closed, nose a mere millimeters away from hers and lips that's been in her dreams a million times.

Before she could process what was happening-

Their lips met. Nico's lips touch hers.

Maki never forgot how Nico's lips feel like since Maki made a contract with Nico. Its softness that was burned in her memory is still the same for the second time but this time there are differences, it wasn't that pale and cold unlike the night Nico died, it's warmth reminded Maki that she was breathing, that she's alive.

How ironic it is that Nico took her breath away from her. She was breathless and her raging heart was doing a thousand leaps in a second. She was planning to re-seal their contract again-to kiss Nico after showing her who really she is, she was emotionally prepared yet being kissed is a different story.

A single strong pound was felt, along with the elated emotions she suddenly felt complete, the void that's been bothering her was gone. She felt that she found her other half and that she's been found.

Tears run on her cheeks yet she didn't notice it, instead, she involuntarily snake one of her arms on the other girl's waist to pull her closer and reach Nico's jaw using her free hand. She's trying to drink what was happening right now, taking the opportunity that was given, Maki deepened the kiss making her lips vibrates from a sensual sound that Nico made and that was enough to make Nico interlock her arms around Maki's neck and their senses heightened more than before that they are not capable on rational thoughts because all they could feel was the warmth of each other's touch and the taste of their lips that can never be defined in a dictionary. Neither of the two wanted to be separated and end the biggest event of their life

Intoxicating

By just feeling each other both of them decided to breathe and pull back from each other's lips, unable to open their eyes for a moment and when they did, Amethyst locked on Ruby. Maki was running her thumb over Nico's lips. They feel like they are in a cloud nine, their eyes reflect that they're still in a dreamlike state and if they walk they would feel that they are walking on air.

"Nico-chan"

Nico wipes Maki's tear for her. The touch is so gentle that Maki couldn't help but to hold Nico's wrist and lean more to the touch.

"It seems that I've been underestimating the love that you had for me" the raven-haired girl smiles genuinely "You really do love me so much"

Maki tilted her head to place a series of soft kisses on her chosen's palm

"I hope I've finally conveyed my feelings for you"

"Don't worry you did a great job"

"Nico-chan before we go back to others I wanted to tell you that I love you"

"You already told me that"

"I'll keep telling you even if it's already annoying for you"

"I got it"

"I love you Nico-chan"

Every word coming from Maki right now makes her heart swell. She's already harboring some feeling toward her contractor before it's just that she doesn't really know who she is but now she didn't care anymore if she'll fall in love with her red-haired contractor. As long as it's Maki, she's glad that it's Maki.

At the same time, Unbeknowst to Maki, the intimacy just gave her a darkest desire that she never thought she would have.

Author's note: Yes. Yes. I know I'm not good with the language but I tried my best to proofread this one. Feel free to comment on what you feel in this chapter. See you again!