Disclaimer: I do NOT own Love Live!

"So, think you can you help?"

"I... I guess so.."

The purple-haired girl clapped her hands together. "Yay," She said, smiling. She grabbed hold of the younger girl's wrist and pulled her out of the shop. "I'm borrowing her for the day, thank you!" she called to the counter.

Honoka turned to the counter as well. Her mother simply smiled and waved goodbye to her. And just like that, Honoka had been snatched up by Nozomi. After a bit of walking, Nozomi had released her hold on Honoka's wrist, and they continued side-by-side. Honoka looked up to her senpai.

"She's in a good mood this morning," she thought, admiring the bright smile Nozomi currently had on her face.

Nozomi noticed Honoka's stare. "I don't mind that you stare but watch where you're walking first," she said.

"Ah, sorry," Honoka said, immediately turning her attention back in front of her. After some time, Honoka spoke up again. "Nozomi-chan?"

"Yes?"

"Why are you asking me to help out the shrine work today?"

"I'm sure you're a smart enough girl to figure at least that part out," Nozomi said playfully.

"But, I know nothing about the things you do at the shrine. Won't it be trouble to have to teach me everything?"

"Not at all. And in any case, it's usually not that busy, so you have nothing to worry about."

"If you say so.." But Honoka wasn't quite convinced. She didn't want to burden Nozomi in any way.

"Relax," Nozomi said, catching Honoka's worries. "I'll treat you to something afterwards, alright?"

Honoka perked up a little. "Alright," she replied, smiling. She decided to trust Nozomi's words.

The rest of the walk had been rather peaceful. It was another bright and sunny day. Honoka looked up and noted that there weren't any clouds. She hoped that, unlike yesterday, it would stay that way this time. Eventually the two of them made it to the shrine Nozomi helps out at. Nozomi led Honoka to a room inside the back building.

"Here, this should fit you," Nozomi said, handing Honoka a spare outfit.

"Thanks," Honoka replied. She took the outfit, but didn't start changing.

Nozomi changed into her outfit before she noticed Honoka giving her a confused look. Nozomi wasn't sure why at first, but she quickly realized why Honoka looked confused.

"You haven't worn a shrine maiden outfit, right?"

Honoka nodded. "Could you help me?"

Nozomi smiled and moved closer to Honoka. Honoka took a step back, catching a glint in Nozomi's eyes.

"D- don't do anything weird.."

Nozomi froze for a second, but her smile widened. "I've been found out, huh?" She giggled. "Alright, you have my word."

Nozomi helped Honoka change into the outfit. She held her word and didn't do anything to Honoka. However, Honoka did catch her stealing a few glances. Eventually, Honoka was dressed into the outfit. Nozomi replaced Honoka's usual hair tie with a red ribbon to complete the outfit. She stepped back as she finished.

"Is it okay?" Honoka asked slowly.

Nozomi hadn't said anything since she stepped back. She had been looking up and down Honoka. A smile had settled on her face and a light red reached her cheek.

"Beautiful," she finally replied.

Honoka noticed Nozomi's voice was a little distant. "Nozomi-chan?"

"Alright," Nozomi said, back in her normal tone, putting her hands together. "Come with me."

Nozomi moved passed Honoka and opened the door.

"Eh?" Honoka was a little surprised by Nozomi's behavior. She had expected a little teasing at the least, but nothing Nozomi usually would have done happened.

"Come on, Honoka-chan."

Honoka snapped out of her thought and followed Nozomi. Nozomi led Honoka back to the front of the shrine, handing her the broom she brought with her.

"Okay, we'll keep things easy. Just sweep aside any leaves and keep the pathway clean. Also," Nozomi turned and pointed to the donation box at the front building. "See that?"

Honoka followed Nozomi's point and nodded.

"If people come by to donate, make sure to thank them. If they ask about anything else, try to find me. Got it?"

Honoka went over her tasks before nodding again.

"Good." Nozomi walked away, but turned after a few steps. "Smile. It won't look good if a shrine maiden looks bored," and she continued walking after that.

Honoka looked after Nozomi until she disappeared into the building. She then turned to start sweeping. It was quiet for the first few minutes, but Honoka had something occupying her mind.

"Nozomi-chan seems.. different," she said to herself.

Another few minutes, and she snapped out of her thoughts in time to hear some coins fall into the donation box. As the woman walked back down the pathway, Honoka bowed to her.

"Thank you for your patronage."

The woman smiled back as she continued walking. Honoka continued her sweeping. A few more people came by to donate, and she thanked them as she was told to. A few times, Honoka noticed Nozomi hurrying between the shrine buildings, sometimes carrying things. One of the most recent times, Honoka had called out to Nozomi.

"Nozomi-chan!"

Nozomi stopped, and hurried toward Honoka. "Yes, Honoka-chan? Something wrong?"

"Well, no.. I was just wondering if you need some help."

Nozomi shook her head, and smiled to Honoka. "Thanks, but no thanks. I need you to stay out here for people who donate."

"But-"

Nozomi gave Honoka a stern look, and Honoka stopped herself.

"O-okay. I understand."

"Good," Nozomi smiled once more before turning back and hurrying into one of the shrine buildings.

As she watched Nozomi disappear into the building, Honoka finally realized what had been bothering her about Nozomi.

"She takes this quite seriously.."

Nozomi's usual playful behavior was gone. She was very focused on everything she was working on. Honoka had never really seen Nozomi do serious work before, outside of Muse. At first Honoka thought Nozomi was using this as an excuse to spend time with her. But now, she realized that she realized that Nozomi really did need the help. After all, Honoka hasn't seen another shrine maiden here since they arrived.

Honoka's thoughts were once again interrupted by the sound of coins falling into the donation box. She turned as the group of middle school students were walking back from the shrine.

"Thank you for your patronage," she said, bowing.

The rest of the day went by easily. A fair amount of people came by and donated, but no one came by that she needed to call Nozomi for help. The sun shined brightly into the afternoon. Nozomi came out with a bucket and walked to Honoka.

"How have things been?" she asked.

"Fine," Honoka replied. "People came by to donate, but that's all."

"Good." Nozomi handed the bucket of water to Honoka. "Here. Just sprinkle water along the path, and you'll be done for the day."

Honoka nodded. She turned to start sprinkling water while Nozomi went back inside to finish up her work. After a bit of time, Honoka finished. She placed the bucket by the donation box and went to the back room to change. As she opened the door, she found Nozomi already inside.

"Ah, Honoka-chan," she said as Honoka enetered. "Finished?"

"Mhm. You too?"

"Yup. Finally done though."

"What were you doing all day?"

Nozomi gave Honoka a thoughtful look before she answered. "I was doing more of the official work. You've noticed no one else was here today right?"

Honoka nodded. "Where was everyone?"

"There aren't many people here. I help out at this shrine because there are only two others here. And today they had to go out of town for something. So I covered their jobs, and I had you do what I usually do."

"Oh..." was all Honoka could say.

Nozomi nodded. "So, thank you. Thank you very much for helping me today, Honoka-chan."

Honoka smiled. "No, it was my pleasure. I'll gladly help you out again if you need it."

"That's really kind of you."

"After seeing how hard you were working today, it's the least I can do for you."

"Oh, there's other things you can do for me." A smile touched Nozomi's face.

Honoka noticed that Nozomi's usual, playful smile had returned. As nice as it was to see Nozomi so serious, Honoka couldn't help but relax seeing Nozomi back to her normal self. Nozomi stepped up to Honoka and they shared a kiss. Nozomi stepped back after a few moments.

"You should hurry and get changed. I still owe you for helping me today."

"Ah, I forgot about that."

They changed out of the shrine maiden outfits and left the shrine. As they walked to town, Honoka hugged Nozomi's arm. Nozomi was a little surprised by Honoka. Usually she and the rest of Muse would be hugging Honoka's arm to them, not the other way around. Honoka looked up and noticed Nozomi's blush.

"You earned it today," Honoka said, smiling.

Nozomi was rendered speechless, and only continued walking until they got to town

Hey guys, nobodD here!

I actually enjoyed writing this chapter, even though not much happened. It's also nice to write Nozomi being serious rather than joking or perverted all the time. And of course to keep things light-hearted we throw in that ending.. haha. Anyway, I apologize if this chapter wasn't as exciting as the others.

By the way, if you get the reference with the chapter title, special props to you and I'll love you forever :D haha.

Ok, that's it from me, until next time~