Ah! Damn it! Just a few minutes too late! I was really hoping I could have posted this on Honoka's birthday too. :/

Oh well, in any case, happy birthday Honoka! This is a birthday story dedicated to you using Ai wa Taiyou Ja Nai? as the prompt. It's not really Honoka x anyone, but it could probably be seen as Honoka x everyone. It's more of a friendship story though, since it's a birthday story for her.

"Normal" = Talking

"Bold" = Singing

Bold Italics Underlined = Setting

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Love Live, nor do I own anything related to it. All I do own is one of many thousands of downloads of School Idol Festival. As such, I am not profiting off of Love Live, and am instead losing money over it due to the nature of gacha.

Otonokizaka - Hallways

Rin was happily skipping along on her way home from class when she caught sight of Honoka walking in her direction. Coming to a stop, she waved.

"Honoka-chan-nya! Want to go with me for ramen?"

Coming to a stop, Honoka gave a nervous laugh and waved.

"Hello Rin-Chan. I um...can't. I'm busy."

And with that, she sped off in a hurry, leaving Rin there, blinking in confusion.

"Well maybe next time then-nya!"

Homura Shop

Standing in front of the entrance to the familiar home of her childhood friend, Umi walked inside, bowing as she greeted the Kousaka mother.

"Hello Kousaka-san."

"Ah! Umi-chan! Are you here to help Honoka with studying again? If only Honoka could be as diligent as you."

While used to it, Umi still blushed from embarrassment at the praise being given to her.

"Y-yes, well, that's what I'm here for. To make sure that Honoka is as diligent as she needs to be."

Honoka's mother smiled at seeing the care and affection Umi so obviously held for her daughter.

"Yes, I appreciate it, and I know Honoka does as well. But sadly, there's nothing to be done today. You see, Honoka's not home. She went out, saying she had something to do."

Umi almost let her bag drop in shock of what she had just heard.

"H-Honoka...is doing something without telling me?"

Seeing Umi starting to sulk, Honoka's mom felt bad for her, and so decided to try to cheer her up.

"Well then, since we can't give you Honoka at the moment, how about we give you some of our manju instead?"

"Yes please..."

Gohan-ya Restaurant

Hanayo sighed as she stared at the sign of her favourite establishment. She always loved coming here with Honoka, but when she had asked her earlier on today, Honoka had just told her to go on ahead and enjoy herself for the both of them.

Despite the lack of Honoka, Hanayo decided to honor her wishes and enjoy herself here. Going inside, she ordered two large helpings of rice, one for her to eat in the spirit of Honoka. When the food came around, Hanayo grabbed her chopsticks, and tentatively, held up a small bit of rice.

"Thank you for the food."

Taking it into her mouth, she chewed it around for a bit, before swallowing. Allowing some time for her to take it in, she sighed.

"It's just not the same without you here, Honoka-chan."

In spite of this, Hanayo did not let this deter her, and still managed to finish both helpings...as well as a few more afterwards.

Otonokizaka - Rooftop

"Good work everyone. I think that's enough practice for today."

Eli clapped, and watched as everyone started packing up, getting ready to go home. Her eyes strayed towards Honoka. Blushing a little, she walked up towards her.

"Um, H-Honoka."

Turning towards her upperclassmen, Honoka cocked her head to the side.

"What is it, Eli-chan?"

Feeling a bit nervous, Eli had a hard time spitting out what she wanted to ask. "D-do you want any extra help with your dancing? N-not that I think you need it of course! I just...want to be of help to our leader in any way."

Honoka smiled at her consideration.

"Thanks, Eli-chan! But, I'm afraid I'm busy today. Maybe some other time."

Not expecting to be rejected like this, Eli was at a loss.

"Y-yeah, maybe next time..."

Otonokizaka - Second Year Classroom

The bell rang, and the students rushed to pack their bags and leave as soon as possible. Kotori, finishing rather quickly, walked up to Honoka's desk.

"Ready to go home, Honoka-chan?"

Still packing her things, Honoka gave Kotori a sheepish smile.

"Ah, about that. Sorry, Kotori-chan, but I'm busy doing something else."

While surprised at the turn of events, it didn't deter Kotori at all.

"Oh? What are you doing?"

Honoka froze, like a deer caught in headlights.

"Ah, it's um...hard to explain."

Kotorie narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

"I'll come with you then."

All Honoka could do in response was laugh nervously.

"No need for that Kotori-chan. You just be safe on your way home from school alright?"

Shoving the last of her possessions into her bag, Honoka ran off. Staring after her, Kotori pouted.

"Honoka-chan..."

Otonokizaka - Music Room

"Ganbareru kara kinou ni te o futte hora mae muite..."

Playing the final notes of her song, Maki waited for the applause that usually followed, but was, not that she would ever admit, disappointed to find none.

"That's weird. It's been a while since Honoka has barged in on me playing the piano. I wonder what she's doing."

Maki started thinking about possible reasons Honoka hadn't shown up for some time, when she realized how embarrassing that was.

"N-not that I care or anything!"

Noticing her own outburst, Maki looked around to see if anyone noticed, and seeing no one around, breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's usually Honoka that I have to worry about being too loud...yeah, this is a nice change of pace from her usual meddling."

Starting to play another song, Maki felt like she was lying to herself as she tried to ignore that hollow feeling of emptiness that she was left with without Honoka.

Otonokizaka - Clubroom

Having just finished a μ's meeting, Nico closed her eyes, and waited for Honoka to come up to her and ask her for something senpai-like, as she usually did. She sat there, waiting, but no request ever came. Opening her eyes, she saw Honoka about to leave.

"Hey wait! Honoka! Don't you want me to help you with your Idol poses or anything?"

Turning to face Nico, Honoka gave off a nervous laugh.

"Well, the thing is, I'm kinda busy today. So I can't. Sorry Nico-chan!"

Bowing a little to apologize, Honoka left without another word. Nico was visibly upset by this, even grinding her teeth together.

"Who does she think she is, running off on me like that!?"

Kanda Shrine

Nozomi was sweeping the grounds as per usual, when she heard someone running up the stairs. Catching a glimpse of orange, Nozomi wasn't surprised to see that it was Honoka.

"Honoka-chan! What brings you here? We don't have practice today."

Smiling at seeing Nozomi, Honoka waved.

"Nozomi-chan! I'm just here to pray for something that's all."

Nozomi raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? Is something big coming up?"

Putting on a secretive smirk, Honoka giggled.

"I guess you could say that."

Realizing she wasn't going to get anymore out of Honoka, she just went back to sweeping as Honoka prayed. She was just finishing up when Honoka got up to leave.

"Honoka-chan. I'm almost done here, so do you want to go do something together?"

Honoka stuck her tongue out, sheepishly scratching the back of her head.

"Sorry Nozomi-chan. No can do. I have something I need to be doing today. Maybe some other time."

Nozomi simply watched as Honoka ran off, thinking it was strange since Honoka would normally jump at the chance to be around any friend. But it couldn't be helped. Honoka was busy, and she'd have to understand that. At least, that's what she tried to tell herself as that familiar pang of loneliness came around.

Otonokizaka - Clubroom

Such scenarios had become rather common all throughout the last few weeks, and it was becoming noticeable to everyone in μ's. It seemed that no matter who was asking, Honoka was always busy with something or other. Suspicious of this, Umi had called everyone in for an emergency meeting. There was no practice scheduled today, and so Honoka wouldn't catch on to their plans.

Umi sat at the head of the table, where Nico usually sat. Normally, she would have raised objections, but the situation was serious enough that she had let it slide.

"Let us commence this meeting. Now, does anyone know why we have assembled today?"

Nico raised her hand.

"Yes, Nico?"

"It's because Honoka has abandoned us."

Not being able to take anyone talking about Honoka like that, Kotori stood up, slamming her hands down on the table. Rin quickly followed suit.

"Honoka-chan would never do something like that!"

"Yeah, Honoka-chan loves us too much!"

Maki looked away, twirling her hair, trying to look as apathetic as usual.

"Well she sure hasn't been showing it lately."

Nozomi gave both Maki and Nico a look of disapproval.

"Now that's not very nice you two. I'm sure Honoka-chan is just busy."

Hanayo was fidgeting, letting her mind take her to negative places.

"B-but what if...what if she really has abandoned us. Maybe she found a better idol group to be with."

Feeling everything was getting out of hand, Eli stood up, focusing all the attention on her.

"Now now, let's not jump to conclusions. I'm sure Nozomi is right and that Honoka has just had too many things to do lately."

Umi cleared her throat, pulling the focus back to her.

"Well yes, be that as it may, it is nonetheless true that Honoka has been rather...absent lately. We don't know why, nor do we know whether or not she is...avoiding us. But, Honoka's birthday is coming up. This is our chance to find out what's been going on with her. Now, she told us all specifically not to get her anything for her birthday...which does seem strange, but that's what she wanted. However, we will not be able to honor this wish of hers. We will confront her on her birthday, and with gifts in hand, she will not be able to ignore us."

The girls of μ's all nodded. They now had a plan in mind.

Homura Shop

Honoka woke up with a start as her alarm clock sounded, a huge smile on her face, contrary to her customary lazy awakenings.

"Alright, today's the big day!"

Changing into her uniform and brushing her teeth quickly, Honoka walked right into her sisters' room, not bothering to knock. Yukiho, surprised at her sudden entrance, recoiled in shock. Honoka ran straight up to her sister, tackling her into a hug.

"Happy birthday Yukiho!"

"E-eh!? What are you talking about Onee-chan? It's your birthday."

Getting off of her sister, Honoka just smiles.

"Yep! And that means it's your birthday too!"

"Huh? But that doesn't even make any sense!"

Not responding, Honoka turns around and runs back out the door, heading downstairs. She's surprised to see her parents standing in front of a large banner that says 'Happy Birthday Honoka!'. Smiling growing even wider, Honoka runs up to her parents and pulls them both into a hug.

"Happy birthday Mom and Dad!"

Her parents chuckle, believing she just stumbled and forgot to say 'to me'. Naturally, they return the hug.

"Happy birthday Honoka."

"Yes, happy birthday Honoka."

Releasing her parents, Honoka runs further into the kitchen. Seeing her grandmother, she walks up to her, giving her a more gentle hug.

"Happy birthday grandma!"

Her grandmother gives her a soft chuckle.

"Happy birthday Honoka."

Letting go, Honoka runs outside, and turns back towards her home.

"I'm going to school now! I'll give you all your present when I get back!"

While her parents were visibly confused, Honoka paid this no mind. She started running towards her school, excited as ever to see her friends.

Before she can get very far, she runs into Umi and Kotori, probably here to walk to school together with her. Surprised to see her awake so early, Umi called out to her.

"Hono-"

Before being interrupted by the ginger's hug.

"Happy birthday Umi-chan!"

"H-huh?"

Not being given the chance to feel left out, Honoka let go of Umi and latched onto Kotori as well.

"Happy birthday Kotori-chan!"

Although not quite getting it, Kotori smiled at Honoka's energy.

"Happy birthday Honoka-chan!"

Stepping back, Honoka was about to make her way to school again when she remembered something.

"Oh yeah! You two come up to the roof after school. I've got a surprise for you!"

Leaving her two friends behind, Honoka ran off. Umi and Kotori both just stood there, stumped.

"Well...that's Honoka for you I guess."

Kotori giggled.

"Yes, that's quite like Honoka-chan isn't it?"

Heading in through the gates, Honoka stopped for a second to catch her breath. It was then that she was spotted by the first year trio.

"Honoka?"

Perking up, Honoka turned towards the three of them, and gave Maki a hug.

"Happy birthday Maki-chan!"

She did the same with Hanayo.

"Happy birthday Kayo-chan!"

As well as with Rin.

"Happy birthday Rin-chan!"

The first years, while used to Honoka's energy at this point, were still caught off guard, and were left speechless.

"Remember, come up to the roof after school! I have a present for you."

With that, she ran off. Coming out of her stupor, Hanayo clasped her hands together.

"Did you hear that? She has a present for us. Maybe Honoka-chan isn't abandoning us after all!"

Rin, though confused, was excited at the prospect of a present, and started jumping around.

"Yay! A present-nya! Aren't you glad Maki-chan? Honoka still loves us!"

Unconsciously smiling from Honoka's hug, Rin calling out to her made her remember where she was, and she looked away, twirling her hair.

"I-it's not like I really cared or anything."

Running into the school, Honoka ran through the hallways, where she ran into Eli and Nozomi. Quite literally in Eli's case. Eli grabbed her hand and kept her from hitting the ground.

"Be careful Honoka. You shouldn't run in the hallway like that."

Grateful at Eli's save, Honoka used this opportunity to pull herself into a hug with Eli.

"Yeah, I'll be careful. But more importantly, happy birthday Eli-chan!"

"Huh!?"

Not forgetting about Nozomi, Honoka gave her a hug as well.

"Happy birthday Nozomi-chan!"

Nozomi was just as surprised as Eli.

"Eh?"

"Meet me at the rooftop after school! There's something I wanna show you!"

Seemingly oblivious to her upperclassmen's confusion, Honoka ran off, in search of Nico. Not alleviated of their bewilderment, Eli and Nozomi stared at each other.

"Wh-why was she wishing us a happy birthday?"

"I'm not sure Elicchi..."

Honoka ran towards the clubroom, slamming the door open. And just as she expected, she found Nico sitting there. Running up to the cute idol, Honoka threw herself onto her.

"Happy birthday Nico-chan!"

"Huh? What?"

"Rooftop! After school!"

With those words, Honoka got off her upperclassmen and ran back out the door. Once Nico managed to gather what just happened, she facepalmed.

"That idiot...that's what I was supposed to be saying to her."

Having told everyone to meet her at the rooftop after school, Honoka headed to class. Where she proceeded to fidget in excitement throughout all of her classes, and even through lunch, where she sneaked off to make sure she had everything for her surprise. It felt like forever for Honoka until the bell finally rang, signifying the end of the school day.

First, she went off to go get changed into the outfit she had prepared for today. Then, she ran straight up to the school roof, slamming open the door to their practice area. Expecting to see the usual view, Honoka was pleasantly surprised to see that tables had been set up, with food and drinks on them. There was what appeared to be a mountain of bread, and a load of strawberries as well. Honoka's mouth drooled at the sight of them, but just as she was about to walk up and claim them, she noticed that the rest of μ's was already there, waiting for her.

"Happy birthday Honoka(-chan)!"

At noticing how much they did for her special day, Honoka started tearing up. They all stepped forward, presents in hand, and reiterated.

"Happy birthday Honoka(-chan)."

"Everyone..." Honoka wiped away the tears from her eyes, and tried to look angry. "I told you not to get me anything. I wanted to give you all a present instead today."

Their earlier confusion brought back, Umi was the one that asked what was all on their minds.

"Um...why would you get us a present Honoka?"

Honoka smiled her trademark smile, and ran forward, finding some open space, and then turning around to face all of her friends.

"Because today is my birthday!"

Looking around, Honoka was disappointed to see that everyone still looked confused. She decided to clarify.

"On a person's birthday, it's not just one person who celebrates it. The love for that person is shared, and spread among everyone that's celebrating it. So I figured, a birthday is like the sun isn't it? The birthday girl is the sun, shining down on everyone who celebrates it, bringing light into their lives. I wanted to do that for all of you! I want to be the sun and spread smiles everywhere! And so, these past few weeks, I've been working on a present for everyone! I've been working really hard on a song! I worked on the lyrics myself, and I composed the song myself too! I worked out a dance for it, and I even made the costume by myself too! It was really hard, but now, I can show you guys, and it'll be your birthday present!"

Finally getting an explanation as to why Honoka had been so busy these past few weeks, they all broke out into laughter at how Honoka it was a way to go about it. But then, Eli realized something, and started to pout.

"But wait, Honoka. When I asked you if you needed help with dancing, you rejected my offer."

Honoka sheepishly rubbed the back of her head.

"Well it wouldn't be much of a present if I made you help with it right?"

While understanding her logic, it didn't stop Eli from being upset from all that time she lost where she could have been with Honoka.

As Honoka was about to start, she seemed to remember something, and reaching into her bag, she pulled out a camera, and handed it to Umi.

"Here you go Umi-chan! Can you record this? I want it to be a present for my family too!"

Getting Umi's approval, Honoka stepped back out into the open space, took a deep breath, and started the music.

"Shiawase o..."

While Honoka might have put them through a lot, the fact that she went through so much trouble for them on her own special day, just warmed their heart too much to leave them upset, and they couldn't stop the smile that persisted on all their faces throughout their performance.

Word count: 3097

Wow, that's practically triple my usual word count :P I also managed to finish it really soon after my last one too. This story is undoubtedly the one I've had the most fun writing up until now.

So it's a few minutes after your birthday, but still, I'll say it again. Happy birthday Honoka! Thank you for all the smiles you've given us!