The Lone Muse: Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own Love Live!

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. I sat up and stretched, then opened the window. Sunlight flooded my room, instantly warming me. There wasn't a cloud in the sky.

The weather is beautiful today. I should go for a run.

I yawned and got up out of bed. "Okay!" I said to myself, and walked over to my dresser. Pulling out my usual workout clothes, I got dressed. I checked myself out in the mirror and left my room. I paused at the door of my sister's bedroom.

"Yukiho? I'm going out for a run, okay?" I called. No answer.

She must still be sleeping. I smiled. I woke up before her, that's new.

I walked into the kitchen, and saw my mom cooking breakfast.

"Honoka? You're up already?" She said when she saw me, her expression one of mild surprise.

"I am capable of waking up early, you know." I replied, smiling.

She chuckled and shook her head. "Okay. Anyways, do you want breakfast?"

"No thanks, mom. I'm gonna go for a run." I turned and started to leave, but stopped and turned around. "But…can you save some food for me?"

She nodded. "Okay. Have fun on your run."

I said goodbye and headed out the door. I paused outside to admire the crisp morning air. Closing my eyes, I just stood there, basking in the early morning warmth. After a few seconds, I opened my eyes and sighed. I had no particular destination in mind, so I just started jogging.

It's been a week since Valentine's Day. The girls have been really nice to me. They've avoided acting super…lovey-dovey in front of me, and I really appreciate it. I'm so happy for them, but there is still an ache in my heart, seeing them together. Oh well. I love my friends, and I'm satisfied knowing that they're happy.

As I had been jogging for a little while, I paused to look around. I found myself at the bottom of the steps by the shrine. I frowned.

What is with this place? Why am I always drawn here? Maybe Nozomi is right, maybe this really is a gathering point for spiritual energy. A lot has happened here…so it definitely is a significant place to me…

My thoughts were interrupted by someone crashing into me, knocking me to the pavement.

"Oww…" I said, sitting up and rubbing my head.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! Are you okay?"

I tried to hide a grimace. It really did hurt. "Yeah…I'm fine."

A hand reached down to help me up. Looking up to see its owner, I was surprised at who it was.

"Kira-san?" I took her hand, and she pulled me to my feet.

"Hey, Kousaka-san. You sure you're okay?"

I nodded. "I'm sure. Thanks for asking."

She smiled. "No problem. What are you up to?"

I shrugged. "Just going for a little run. Enjoy this amazing weather. What about you?"

"Same." She paused for a second, seeming to have an internal argument with herself. "Do you…want to run together?" She asked me, twirling her hair.

I was a little shocked, but it did not show on my face. Tsubasa from A-RISE wants to run with me? I nodded. "Okay. That sounds like fun." I said, smiling. "Thanks, Tsubasa-san."

Her eyes twinkled. "Please, call me Tsubasa."

I blushed a little bit. "O-Okay. Then call me Honoka."

She nodded, grinning. "Okay…Honoka. Ready?"

I smiled. "Yeah. Let's go!" I said, before I started jogging. Tsubasa caught up with me and we jogged side by side. I can't believe I'm hanging out with Tsubasa from A-RISE. Nico and Hanayo would be so jealous. I smiled to myself.

Unbeknownst to me, Tsubasa was just as excited as I was. She was grinning from ear to ear on the inside. She snuck glances at me while we were jogging and smiled. Today should be fun.