"What is wrong with me? Where has my imagination gone to these days?"

Riko sighed while perched on her piano bench. Despite her frustration she wasn't slumped over or anything. She was sitting with perfect form. She always took her past lessons seriously and picked up plenty of positive habits throughout the years.


After some deep thinking Riko concluded that she was troubled by the fact that she didn't know many traits that You possessed. She could ask Chika but she didn't want to reveal You's birthday surprise to anyone. Riko was composing a song for You's birthday but she was on the verge of giving up and settling on giving her a regular gift. If Chika taught her anything though it was that surrendering was never an option. She just decided to sleep on the whole matter and start observing You more closely as of tomorrow.

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After several weeks of being You's spectator Riko noted some of You's qualities. They included strength and endurance (physically and mentally), jealously, reliability, trustworthiness, beauty and cuteness, enthusiasm towards certain things, and the ability to not stand out when the situation called for it.

With these characteristics in mind, Riko was at her piano each night trying to put together some kind of song. She had a few ideas but not nearly enough to create a complete piece.

After almost scrapping the whole project the previous day, she was able to gain some concentration the next evening until she heard something pelting on the sliding glass door leading to her balcony. She figured that it was just some heavy rain until she realized that the forecast never called for downfall. She got up to go investigate.

"Riko-chaaan! Oi, Riko-chan! Open up!"

You was throwing pebbles at Riko's house to get her attention like those cliche ex-boyfriends did in movies. It certainly did get Riko's attention though and she exited her room onto the balcony to see what You could possibly need at this hour.

"You-chan? What are you doing here?"

"Well, I just started to miss you really badly so I came to visit."

Riko blushed a bit at You's answer. This only seemed like something Chika would do so she was certainly surprised that You was bold enough to try the same thing.

"You-chan, do you even know what time it is?"

"Yeah, like 9:30. Why?"

"It's late. I'm sorry but I can't let you in right now. Feel free to come over tomorrow though."

"Aww..."

You really looked bummed as she hung her head down in disappointment. It hurt Riko to the point where she couldn't resist. Besides, perhaps You could help her with her song too. Riko caved in and went and snuck You into the house.

"So what are you up to Riko-chan?", asked You as she put her hands behind her back and tilted her head to the side.

"I was playing piano. I'm trying to come up with a new song." She didn't tell You the intent behind the song obviously.

"Ooohhh that's cool. Want me to help?"

"How?"

"Here just sit down by the piano. I'll show you."

Riko complied, genuinely curious as to what You was planning to do.

"Pardon me.", You said as she scooted Riko to the edge of the bench so she could sit behind her. She leaned over, picked up Riko's hands, and put them on the keys. Then she placed her own hands on top of Riko's and curled them a little to put them in the ideal position to play.

"You know, I took some piano lessons as a kid. I wonder if I remember anything." You whispered this into Riko's ear so she wouldn't further disturb the rest the Sakurauchi family after all that noise she made with her rock throwing. She failed though and ended up disturbing one member: Riko Sakurauchi.

Riko flinched from You's warm breath against her. She also noticed that You's chest was pressed against her back which flustered her even more."

"Y-you-chan!? You don't have to do that. Just speak softly."

"Heh, did that ruffle you up Riko-chan?"

"No...", Riko lied. Um, let's continue please."

"Sure"

Soon a simple but pleasant melody was played by Riko indirectly from You using Riko's fingers instead of her own. The chords didn't sound too good though but right as Riko identified this You kissed the back of her neck that was revealed due to her having her hair tied up. This caused Riko to immediately turn her head around.

"You-chan!?"

"Sorry, I just did it on impulse. I noticed that you had some stray hair coming from the back of your head. I'll fix it for you."

You digged around in her pants pocket and retrieved a bobby pin. She then proceeded to clip the hair away. Instead of resolving the situation, the sight of Riko's practically flawless bare neck enticed her to repeat her actions. She kissed it again but with more passion.

"Mm!" Riko let out a little noise which made her cover up her mouth with her hands. You stopped though so it wasn't necessary. She then quickly understood the effect she had on Riko and made haste to apologize.

"Oops, my bad Riko-chan. I didn't mean to do that. Please forgive me. It was just... your neck looked so white and smooth. I couldn't help it, y'know?"

Riko did know. During the observation period she took note of You's nice skin. She'd almost wished that she could reach out and touch it at times but didn't because it would seem very unlike her to do so.

Riko wanted to shake off this embarrassment so badly but she became frozen in place. You just left her be for a few seconds until she asked,

"Hey, are you alright?"

Riko was able to thaw out and respond with,

"Y-yeah, I'm fine... Anyway, I came up with an idea while you were playing."

"Really? Lemme hear it."

"I was thinking that we could sit next to each other and play at the same time. You would be on the right side playing the main melody and I'd be on the left providing the accompaniment."

"Hmm, that could work. Wanna try?"

Riko nodded and You got up from the bench so she could sit next to Riko who probably would have overheated if You stayed where she was much longer.