/author's notes

this chapter will def be short mainly because i'm gonna test out how "well" this story may go. also because writer's block.

If there are any grammatical errors, I'm sorry. I don't have a grammar checker rn and I only use my phone to write stories ;;

With that all said, lez go!

also peep the little hotel del luna reference later on

Disclaimer: The Love Live franchise and its characters are not mine.

Chapter One - Reuniting Nine

"Ah~ It's been a while since we all hung out together, right, right? Umi-chan?" Honoka bugged her friend, who was busy reading a book.

"Honoka.. are you sure it won't be uncomfortable between me and.." Umi sighed, shutting the book and closing her eyes at the same time "..Kotori? We haven't spoken since, you know.. She might as well just ignore me. And it will be all awkward and-"

"Relax, Umi-chan! I'm sure she understands. Besides, it isn't her nature to ignore people, especially her childhood friends!" Honoka cheered her up, doing her iconic "faito dayo" which made Umi chuckle.

"Everyone else.. I missed them. Our schedules got hectic, and when was the last time we all hang out?"

"I think it was three years ago already. Ehh, Umi-chan, are you excited to see Kotori-chan again?"

Umi didn't repond to her question. "'ll go and check our reservation at the karaoke bar. I'll probably wait there, too. I'll send you a text once I get there!"

Honoka kept a smile and waved goodbye until Umi shut the door, then she sighed.

"Kotori.. she still loves you, after all. It's stupid how the both of you don't notice it."

Timeskip, 9:50 PM

"Hello, welcome to Luna Hotel and Karaoke. May I assist you?"

"Erm, hello. I made a reservation for the VIP room under the name of Sonoda Umi. About six hours, starting 10 pm." Umi spoke to the reception, who confirmed her reservation.

"Ma'am, Miss Kousaka Honoka also booked about four hotel rooms along with your reservation. Here are the keys to the said rooms, please tell your friends that checkout is at 12 noon. Thank you, have a fun night ahead!" The receptionist smiled, handing her the keys. Umi, on the other hand, was a bit confused but accepted the keys nonetheless.

"It's already 9:53, is it fine if we go to the VIP room already?" Umi asked after checking the phone. The receptionist gave her a go signal, so she went into the VIP room. Once she sat down on the sofa, she messaged the group.

MUSIC START-O

Umi: Hey, if anyone is already ready to go, you can come now. I suppose everyone knows the address?

Umi: Also, Honoka, why rent only four rooms?

Honoka: Eheh, I rented the rooms because y'know, hangover~ Four rooms cause Nozomi-chan and Eli-chan will share the same room, Maki-chan and Nico-chan will share the same room, and since only four rooms were available, I'll share with RinPana!

Umi: And what about me? You know I cannot drive whilst drunk and I refuse to take a cab home.

Eli: Umi. You share a room with Kotori, obviously.

Nico: Why would you.. nevermind. Maki's getting ready, so we might be a bit behind.

Rin: Same with us!! Except we're ready but, Kayo-chin is saying goodbye to our pets right now. She might take a while

Honoka: Don't worry! I told them to add a futon, like what they did to RinPana's room for me!

Umi: Kotori, are you okay with that? If you will be uncomfortable, I will try not to drink and just drive home.

Nozomi: more like r u okay with that lol umi-chan.

Kotori: I'm okay with anything. I'll be there soon, driving already. •8• See you, guys~!

Umi: See you. Tell the receptionist you're one of the guests with Sonoda Umi.

Kotori: Will do!

Umi rolled her eyes. Of course. NozoEli and their adopted kid Honoka planned this. It's fine though, she can just.. sleep on the futon, wear earphones. Or just drink a shit ton of alcohol so she can sleep! No, she might vomit..

Come to think of it, Kotori said she's on her way. Shit, so she's the first one and Honoka or anyone else isn't here to help out the awkwardness. Shit. Shit. SHIT. She's gonna be stuck in the same room as her ex for a while and-

"Breathe, Umi! It's been.. four years, everything is in the past and-" Umi paused, and sighed "Four years. Please, do not make a fool of yourself, Sonoda Umi.. Let the past stay in the past.

Whether you have unanswered questions,

or you haven't moved on,

let the past stay in the past."