Honoka woke early Monday morning feeling nervous about seeing the girls again after ignoring them for so long. Grabbing bread for breakfast Honoka heads to school her thoughts wandering to A-Rise' leader smiling remembering their conversation Honoka enters her class room.
As Umi and Kotori enter they see Honoka looks down at her desk feeling a little embarrassed at her previous behaviour. Umi gives Kotori a significant look but Kotori just shakes her head and mumbles "later".
The day passes without much happening Honoka didn't hide from her group but she didn't exactly seek them out either. When the school day finished Honoka goes to the Idol study club room and waits for the rest of her group.
When she enters the club room the entire group is gathered. Umi was the first to stand up causing Kotori to shrink into her seat. Everyone listened intently as Umi delivered the news that Kotori would be leaving. For Honoka this was too much. Losing her chance to perform at Love Live now losing her best friend was too much not knowing how to handle the news Honoka fled the room fighting back tears.
When Honoka got home, she went straight to her room and let the tears flow. Despite knowing it will not help she decides to watch the Strat Dash video with just Honoka, Kotori and Umi. She thinks back to how their group started and finds it hard to accept her friend would be leaving had she really made it that hard for Kotori to talk to her?
Texting Kotori and trying to apologise didn't help her feel any better. Honoka felt alone she wanted to talk to Kotori and beg her to stay but knew it wasn't fair to do that and potentially ruin Kotori's chance to make it big.
The next day Kotori wasn't at school she was too busy packing for her journey. Honoka was called to the roof by the other μ's members. The conversation got heated and Honoka decided that she didn't want to be in μ's without all nine girls. When she quit Umi slapped her making Honoka worry she made the wrong decision but her mind was made up she wouldn't ruin this for Kotori and she wouldn't stay in μ's without her.
When Honoka arrived home, she still felt lost she didn't know what to do and thinking that Kotori really wanted this sent her a text wishing her good luck she then rolled over and cried while watching μ's videos.
It was later that night when Yukiho came into Honoka's room laptop in hand.
"I thought we could watch the Love Live finals together?"
Honoka while not really in the mood to do anything moved over letting Yukiho join her on the bed. As they watched the finals it was clear to them that A-Rise was taking the audiences hearts so when they won neither sister was surprised. Honoka wished she had taken Tsubasa's number so she could congratulate her.
The next day at school was rough for Honoka and the other μ's members it was clear everyone was sad and Kotori's absence was playing on Honoka's mind. When the school day ended Honoka was at a loss for something to do. Thankfully some classmates came to her rescue and managed to distract her for the evening.
When Honoka got home that night, she couldn't help but look at Kotori's name in her phone. She contemplated ringing her but knew it would make her to sad instead she went to help out in the shop surprising her mother who was happy for the help.
Honoka was so lost in her work that she didn't even notice Tsubasa enter the shop. At the same time Yukiho arrived in the shop having come home from Alisa's house, seeing Tsubasa she stopped dead in her tracks and squealed making Honoka look up and see the two who entered.
"T…Tsubasa-San? What are you doing here?" Honoka exclaimed looking between Tsubasa and Yukiho.
"I came by to buy some sweets for a party were having to celebrate Love Live. I Didn't realise you worked here" Yukiho was looking at her sister and back to Tsubasa hoping she would be introduced and surprised that the idol was in her family shop.
"OHH well actually this is my family's shop I decided to help out that's all. Congratulations on winning Love Live Tsubasa."
Tsubasa smiled happily and looks at Yukiho feeling a little awkward that she was just an onlooker.
"I don't think we have met you can go first if you like I don't want to get in the way"
Yukiho laughed lightly looking at Tsubasa star struck. Bowing she smiles.
"I'm Yukiho Kosaka. Honoka's sister I will leave you two alone"
With that Yukiho took of leaving Honoka laughing at her sister's antics. Tsubasa smiled at Honoka.
"your sister is nearly as cute as you are Honoka"
Honoka blushed a bright red and looked away from Tsubasa making her laugh as she leaned against the counter.
"Did you talk to your group?"
Honoka looked at Tsubasa and tried to hide tears that were forming in her eyes.
"It didn't turn out well. I need to watch the shop a bit longer if you wanna hear about it you can wait in my room if you're not busy?"
"Okay. I have time which room is yours?"
Honoka led Tsubasa to her room before heading back into the shop to finish the shift she agreed to do.
A short while later Honoka returned to her bedroom to see Yukio talking to Tsubasa. She smiles to Yukiho and sits next to Tsubasa. Yukiho looks at Honoka and gets up to leave. When Yukiho is gone Tsubasa looks at Honoka expectantly.
It takes Honoka sometime to explain everything that happened nearly crying multiple times. Tsubasa listens and tries to comfort Honoka as she tells her what's going on. Tsubasa hugs Honoka as she starts to cry.
"Why don't you come to our party Saturday I'm sure the other girls won't mind ant it will give you something happy to do?"
Honoka looks surprised by the request but smiles and accepts the invitation. Feeling much better Honoka sees Tsubasa out and promises to bring lots of sweets Saturday.
Meanwhile at the airport Kotori cries into Umi's shoulder as they wait for her plane to start boarding.
"She isn't coming, is she?"
Umi looks at Kotori and shakes her head crying gently and she tries to offer her best friend some comfort.
"Is it too late to change your mind Kotori? You don't have to go"
"I said I would go so I have to. I can't back out now" Kotori cries harder as the airport announces that the plane is ready. Slowly Kotori leaves Umi and heads for her plane. Umi breaks down and runs home sad that Kotori has left.
Honoka receives a text telling her Kotori is gone and Honoka cries herself to sleep.
AN: I may change this later but for now I like it enough to post.