Author's Note:
So I pretty much binged Love Live! School Idol Project and I couldn't stop thinking about it. I also watched Private Wars and Shocking Party for hours and hours aaand I'm still not satisfied. Which leads me to this, my first fanfic in 3 years. It's been a long time since I've actually written a story so please bear with me as I get back into it. Please feel free to give constructive criticism, it would be highly appreciated.
The song mentioned in this chapter is an original. I do have experience in writing songs but I didn't create a melody as I just wanted to focus on the lyrics themselves. Also, I honestly don't know if it works in Japanese. Expect a few more original songs in future chapters~ mostly 'cause I'd rather do that than search for an existing song to fit my needs. (And copyright, don't forget about that.)
This story will focus on TsubaHono, but some other ships might be mentioned~
As for updates, I can't really keep a schedule so apologies in advance. Now, on to the story~ hope you guys enjoy!
"Are you absolutely sure about this Tsubasa?" Erena asked again, not sure how many times she'd ask her leader the same exact question.
"Yes. I am absolutely sure." Her leader spoke with determination. They've been at this all day and Tsubasa wasn't giving an inch.
Erena pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. She took a few moments to consider as the two other members waited on her verdict. Tsubasa and Anju waited nervously. "Then you have our support… even if it's not really our style." Erena finally relented, knowing Tsubasa well enough to know she won't back down from this.
"I didn't know you were such a softy Tsubasa." Anju quipped from behind the two, twirling her hair with her fingers as she giggled.
Tsubasa chuckled, she definitely wasn't a softy but she always brought that side out of her. Whether she wanted it to or not. "Thanks you two. I promise the music will still sound like us." She turned her back to them and started walking to their studio. "Come on, let's start practicing."
[μ's Group chat]
FRIDAY 11:26 AM
Koizumi Hanayo
GUYS!
THIS IS BIG
Ayase Eli
What's going on?
Koizumi Hanayo
(o_O) !
Yazawa Nico
tsk just tell us already!?
Hoshizora Rin
Kayo-chin needs to relax! Nya~! :3
Nishikino Maki
What is it now?
Tojo Nozomi
My cards tell me this will be good ;)
Koizumi Hanayo
Sending link!
EVERYONE WATCH THIS NOW - idoltube/watch/2A4L5EV
Minami Kotori
is that? A-RISE?
Sonoda Umi
...I don't see why this is big news?
Yazawa Nico
*gasp* ALMOST 30 MILLION VIEWS!?
Koizumi Hanayo
That's what I meant! At this rate they'll set a new record for themselves!
Nishikino Maki
...and why should we care?
Ayase Eli
Maki's right, we need to focus on ourselves
We're starting from scratch after all
Koizumi Hanayo
That's not all! Did no one notice the song choice?
Yazawa Nico
(o_O) A LOVE SONG?
A-RISE SINGING A LOVE SONG?
Am I dreaming?
Tell me I'm dreaming!
Hoshizora Rin
this is an upbeat love song nya~!
makes me want to dance nya~ :3
Minami Kotori
It actually sounds really sweet~
Sonoda Umi
What.
Nishikino Maki
Huh that does seem unusual.
The music is still very much 'A-RISE' though… hmm
Sonoda Umi
Though the lyrics are really what change the tone, giving it more of a romantic mood.
Minami Kotori
I can see you in a crowded room
Yes, you shine the brightest (It's true)
TT^TT This is so beautiful!
Nishikino Maki
Yes the lyrics… they seem to be more personal?
Ayase Eli
What do you mean by that Maki?
Koizumi Hanayo
Do you think Tsubasa-san likes someone?
She's taking all the lovey-dovey lines! That must be it!?
Yazawa Nico
No way!? You're reading too deep into this! It's just a song, and of course she's taking those lines, she is center after all.
You forget that we also made love songs and it's not like we like each other that way.
Tojo Nozomi
What's that Nicocchi? You sure you don't love someone? ;)
Yazawa Nico
whAT!? OF COURSE I DON'T
The #1 Super Idol Nico loves everyone and everyone loves Super Idol Nico!
NICO NICO NII
NICO NICO NII
Ayase Eli
Don't spam the chat! You say that again and I will ban you Yazawa Nico
Honoka stared at her laptop, letting the messages of her members fill the screen. She wanted to reply but she didn't know what to say. If she were honest, she actually saw the video earlier that morning but telling them that might lead to further questions.
If she were subscribed to a certain rival group on a secret alt account, that wasn't their business to know. Nor was the fact that she had played the video on repeat for the past two hours. Nope, she wasn't going to let them know about any of that.
After some time she realized Umi and Eli were constantly tagging her name. I guess they want to know what I think… She thought of some good excuses for replying late but made sure to give her honest opinion. She was their leader after all.
[μ's Group chat]
FRIDAY, 12:03 PM
Kosaka Honoka
Hey guys! sorry late reply woke up kinda late
(Sorry Umi-chan!)
Just saw the video now, they really outdid themselves!
Doesn't change anything tho! we already know how great they are
The fact that they can try something new and different, yet somehow keep being 'A-RISE' just goes to show what they've accomplished since being professional idols
Yazawa Nico
That's A-RISE for you. It's been 2 years after all.
Nishikino Maki
Nico-chan shh, don't interrupt
Kosaka Honoka
That just means we have to do our best to catch up
We have a lot of work ahead of us everyone!
As long as we keep doing what we love, μ's will be back on top!
Ayase Eli
Harasho! Couldn't have said it better myself.
Let's not forget to have fun while we're at it!
Everyone else ultimately agreed, sending their final thoughts in the group chat. Honoka was relieved. She really didn't have anything more to say about it. The group slipped into other conversations, talking about coming up with new songs for their next live, practices, and the usual μ's antics.
Everything almost seemed like it was back to normal. Almost. Honoka opened a new tab and searched for A-RISE's new song. Luckily for her, someone already posted the song's lyrics. Maybe I'm overthinking this.
Love Letter by A-RISE
This is my love letter (Love letter)
I'm sending it to you
This is my love letter (Love letter)
Tell me, you feel it too
This is my love letter (Love letter)
Don't give it too much thought
This is my love letter (Love letter)
Just thought I'd be honest for once
Come with me, we'll take each other higher
(This is what you do to me, do to me)
Come with me, we'll open every door
(This is what you do to me, do to me)
Don't you know you caught my eye?
I can see you in a crowded room
Yes, you shine the brightest (It's true)
And together we shine even brighter
Glad you're back in the game, (Where did you go?)
It was lonely out here without you, (Don't you know?)
Is this where we meet again? (This time I won't let go)
Come with me, and find out for yourself
This is my love letter (Love letter)
I'm sending it to you
This is my love letter (Love letter)
Tell me, you feel it too
This is my love letter (Love letter)
Don't give it too much thought
This is my love letter (Love letter)
Just thought I'd be honest for once
Hours passed by and Honoka was still on her laptop, picking apart the song. She rubbed her temples and groaned loudly, trying to will her headache away. Despite the pain, she could not tear her eyes away from the screen. She had read each line over and over again, knowing yet completely denying what they meant to her, especially the ones Tsubasa sang.
When she wasn't focusing on the lyrics, she had played certain parts of the song, straining her ears to listen to the different inflections in Tsubasa's voice. There was nothing wrong with her voice, no, it still held that sensual power that she'd come to associate with A-RISE. Yet somehow there was a kind of sadness to it. Or maybe she was imagining things. One verse, in particular, sounded sad to her. This time you won't let go huh Tsubasa?
Three years ago...
It was a really good day in Honoka's opinion. After school, μ's held their usual practice on the rooftop. It was easily her favorite part of the day. Hanging out with friends and doing something they all loved, it always renewed her energy after a boring day at school. Especially now that the Love Live! preliminaries were one week away. The practice was more intense than ever. Still, it brought a smile to her face seeing how determined everyone was. It just goes to show what happens when people with similar dreams come together.
After practice, Honoka wanted to treat herself to something nice so she visited her favorite bookstore. She bought two books and smiled to herself. Today was a really good day! With that thought in mind, Honoka started to skip home, humming as the world seemed to fade away.
She started to think about their practice session. She really hoped all their efforts would pay off. They came so close to Love Live! last time that she couldn't help but feel scared. Honoka shook her head, she promised herself not to dwell on it. They just had to keep moving forward.
Honoka took another step and then slammed into something. Suddenly, she found herself on the floor. uhuhu… I really gotta be more careful. She looked up to see what she bumped into. Her eyes widened as she realized, there on the floor ahead of her was none other than Kira Tsubasa, her … rival? … Or are we friends? She liked to think they could be friends, considering their first meeting last week. Besides, it wasn't like being a school idol was their whole life right?
"Aaah! Sorry sorry, my bad!" Honoka quickly helped Tsubasa up, going as far as dusting off the other girl's clothes with her hands. She then bowed really low and continued to express her apologies. Honoka waited, wondering why she wasn't hearing any yelling or any threats from the girl. What she does hear instead is the sound of Tsubasa's laughing.
"It's alright, Kosaka-san! No harm done." Tsubasa grinned at her, showing no signs of anger for her clumsiness. That reaction was enough to make her feel at ease. Still, she felt embarrassed. Honoka exhaled sharply, letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She really didn't want to offend Tsubasa, she'd been nothing but kind to her.
Before she could reply, Tsubasa spoke up again. "Although… I suppose I should think of a way for you to make it up to me." Tsubasa stroked her chin and tilted her head to the side in contemplation. Curiously, she looked Honoka over, as if trying to decide on something.
Under Tsubasa's intense stare, Honoka fidgeted. She felt self-conscious as Tsubasa's eyes lingered on her. She didn't know why but something about the way Tsubasa looked at her made her feel… warm. "Kira-san?" Honoka squeaked, unable to control her voice. She crossed her arms over her chest and tried to meet the other girl's gaze.
When their eyes met, Tsubasa started laughing again. "My apologies Kosaka-san, I guess that was rude of me. I was just teasing." She took hold of Honoka's hand and started running. "Quick, come with me!"
Honoka allowed Tsubasa to pull her along, not really having much of a choice. It reminded her of the first time they met, the time she had met A-RISE. She was scared back then, wondering what her rivals wanted with her. Yet with the way they've acted since then, Honoka had an answer to her earlier question. They were in fact rivals and friends. A-RISE supported μ's from the start. They even invited them to perform at their school. And together the two teams will keep pushing each other to be better.
Honoka looked at Tsubasa ahead of her, and then her gaze dropped to their joined hands. Slowly but surely, she started to relax, despite her earlier embarrassment. She picked up the pace and tried her best to keep up with Tsubasa. It was still very much, a really good day.
Honoka was snapped out of her reverie by the sound of her ringtone, Snow Halation. Which meant that someone from μ's was calling her. She picked up her phone and answered. "Umi-chan?"
"Honoka! We're almost there, you ready to go?"
"Uhh…" Crap. Honoka checked her wall clock and saw she had about half an hour before 7 pm. Umi-chan's going to kill me. "...No?" Quickly, she grabbed the dress she prepared for the evening and made her way to the bathroom. Honoka could faintly hear the sound of Umi's screaming as she tried to get ready as fast as possible.
She chided herself for her carelessness and made a vow to stop thinking about Tsubasa. She already wasted an entire day sulking and she wasn't going to let that ruin her night. Tonight was about μ's, and absolutely not about her.
Btw would love to hear your thoughts on this~ Thanks for checking out this story and see you all in the next chapter!