Get comfy, you're in for a long chapter.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Love Live!

"Everything will be fine."

That's what she told herself the last fifteen times now. But, as she sat in the bath with all but her head and shoulders underwater, Kotori still couldn't convince herself that those words were true.

"Will I really be able to handle whatever she decides? Will we still be friends?"

She, Umi, and Honoka have been best friends since they were kids. They seemed almost inseparable. But now, Kotori started to realize that might not be the case anymore. Even if it wasn't Umi she chose, could she face Honoka the same way? Would they still be close like they were now? Would she end up alone?

A lone drop of water fell, and landed on Kotori's forehead. She let out a little gasp in surprise before she eventually wiped her forehead. Then, she started laughing.

"What am I thinking?"

Almost in an instant, all of her fear and thoughts from a few moments ago vanished, as if that drop of water knocked some sense into her.

"We've been through tougher situations, and we're still together. And we'll stay together through this, too."

Finally, for the first time that morning, she felt reassured from what she told herself. She heard her phone vibrate, and stood up.

"Alright, no more being afraid. Let's get ready."

"Maybe... no. How about... no. Uwah!"

Rin threw the two hangers holding outfits onto her bed. They landed on top of another eight she had pulled out and wasn't happy with. She looked at herself in the mirror again, and then sighed.

"Maybe Rin isn't cute enough for her.."

This wasn't the first time Rin felt these insecurities about herself, but it was the first time it was for someone she liked. She sighed.

"Maybe there's no point in dressing nicely anyway..."

Through the reflection from the mirror, she saw her swimsuit hanging on the wall behind her. It was the swimsuit she brought along for the trip, and the one she wore when she spent time with Honoka the very first day. She thought back to that day again. Suddenly, a tear rolled down her cheek.

"H-hey now.. why is Rin crying?"

She smiled to herself, as if it were some joke. But she knew better. After today, she might not be able to have those same fun moments with Honoka anymore. She'll be happy no matter what Honoka decides, because she'll be happy that Honoka's happy. But that might be it. It would be hard for her to be that close to Honoka after that. She'll only be left with memories, like the beach.

"The beach..."

Suddenly, she felt her heart lift up again.

"Heh... That's right... Honoka-chan thinks Rin is cute for her, not her clothes."

Rin went back to her closet and pulled out shorts and one of her favorite shirts. While they weren't girly or pretty like the outfits on her bed, she couldn't be any more confident in this.

"Right. This is no time for Rin to doubt herself. There's still a chance."

Returning to her cheerful self, Rin began to change.

A frown formed on her face as she looked through her closet. It's not that she couldn't figure out what to wear, as she was already changed. What made Nico frown, however, was the outfits she made that were hanging in her closet. Specifically, the ones she had made for Honoka.

"She still hasn't tried all of them yet.."

Ever since that day she had Honoka over, Nico never really had a chance to get Honoka to try more of them on. They still hung in the closet, untouched since they were created.

"And now... there may never be another chance..."

Finally, Nico sighed. The last thing she wanted to cross her mind finally did. The thought of losing Honoka. Of course, she won't admit defeat until she hears what Honoka has to say later today. But that didn't keep all the thoughts surrounding that from flooding into Nico's mind.

"Did I... waste my time with these?"

As Nico looked at all the outfits she has yet to get Honoka to try on, she started thinking about all the time and effort she put into them throughout the year. And once again, she thought about the time she brought Honoka over, and had a chance to dress her up. And then she started to think further back, and eventually she realized something.

"She never said no when I asked her before."

Nico shook her head.

"Why am I thinking that everything was a waste? Of course it wasn't! She let me dress her before she knew how I felt, and she'll let me after today as well."

Smiling, Nico closed her closet. She grabbed a jacket and left the house.

"What a silly thing for me to get worked up over."

"So, today's the day, huh?"

Fixing her collar for the tenth time in the past five minutes, Umi concentrated on her image in the mirror. It wasn't unusual for her to make sure she looked okay before she went out, but this was the first time her old guidelines were simply not enough.

"This is Honoka-chan, after all. She deserves the best."

She fixed the buttons on her blouse again as she started to think. Her friends have never said anything bad about her image before. But this was also before she grew feelings for Honoka. Even if Honoka told her she looked good, Umi might not believe it now.

"Am I not... good enough for her?"

Ever since she grew feelings for Honoka, she would never think what she did was enough for Honoka. Even when Honoka complimented her, she always thought that there was more she could've done to make it even better. There was always something more that she felt would be fitting for Honoka to have. But now, for the first time Umi thought of it differently. For the first time she thought she might not be good enough for Honoka.

"But, this is no different than that day..."

The day Umi was thinking of was the first time she met Honoka and Kotori, many years ago. Even as little kids, Honoka seemed popular, and was always very friendly. That day at the playground, while Honoka was playing with Kotori and the other kids, Umi stood away, watching. She didn't think she could play with them. And yet, almost right after, Honoka had approached her. Her, who she thought wouldn't fit in, and asked to play.

"Maybe she deserves better. But maybe what she wants is something else."

Umi nodded to her reflection in the mirror.

"Honoka wasn't like that, and she still isn't like that. I'm just as good for her as everyone else."

Just then, she heard a knock at the door. She went to the front of the house and opened the door, a little surprised at who she found.

"Kotori-chan."

Kotori smiled, "Hello, Umi-chan."

"Hello. What are you doing here? It's almost time to meet at the park."

"I know. I was wondering if you would like to go together."

"Together? Well, sure, but why?"

Kotori gave a nervous laugh. "Well... I'm honestly really nervous. And I don't want to show up by myself."

Umi stared for a moment. Then, she started laughing, which made Kotori tilt her head in confusion.

"W-what?"

"Nothing. It's just, I was feeling nervous too before you came."

"You too, Umi-chan?"

Umi nodded. "Let's go together. It'll probably be better for both of us."

Kotori smiled. "Thanks, Umi-chan."

Together, they set off for the park.

"Maybe just quickly... No, no I shouldn't."

She pulled away her hand from her desk again. Nozomi sat on her bed, staring at her tarot cards. She's had the urge to do prediction for today at least five times now. But each time, with a little more effort, she's managed to resist. She placed, or maybe forced, her hands on her lap.

"I can't. I must not rely on them this time."

Nozomi sighed. The truth was, the longer she spent just waiting, the more worried she became. In the past, whenever she felt uncertain or anxious, fortune telling would help her out. She could better prepare herself, and it would reassure her to have some sort of idea what would happen.

"Then... would I really be deserving of Honoka-chan... if I can't even rely on myself?"

Nozomi shook her head.

"No, I can't let myself think like that. But..."

She took a deep breath. She started thinking about the beach house again, and the night she had Honoka to herself. She allowed the memories to calm herself down.

"Honoka was fine what I liked. So I shouldn't be worried."

She nodded to herself and then stood up. Just as she did, she heard a knock from outside.

"Nico-chan?"

"H-hi, Nozomi-chan," Nico said, though she didn't look at Nozomi.

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Y-yeah. I was wondering if you would want to go to the park with me."

Nozomi grinned. "What was that? I couldn't-"

Nico faced Nozomi this time. "Like I said, I was wondering if you want to head to the park together to meet up with everyone."

Nozomi was taken back a bit by how quickly Nico became serious.

"Okay, sorry. Sure, we can go together. Though, can I ask why?"

"That's fine.." Nico relaxed herself. "I'm just.. feeling a little tense."

Nozomi smiled. "Sure. Are you ready to go?"

Nico nodded. She turned around, but turned back before she started walking. "Don't worry, I know you want to make a quick stop before we go to the park."

"Great. Let's go."

"The house sure is quiet..."

Her sister had left the house in the morning, which was why she was currently in the house alone. But that was the least of her worries at the moment. As she sat in front of her mirror, fixing her hair into a ponytail, Eri's mind was focused on other things.

"I wonder what she'll say. Or more importantly... Will I be able to handle it?"

Up until yesterday, a lot of her thoughts were occupied by Honoka, and different things she would want to do with her as a couple. But since she asked Honoka to make her feelings clear to them yesterday, she started to realize something. Soon, she won't be able to spend these days the same. Depending on Honoka's choice, she'll have to abandon those daydreams, and she'll have to adjust to whatever the change is.

Eri shook her head.

"Everything will be fine. It's not like she'll completely abandon us, no matter who she chooses."

She glanced at the picture on her desk. It was a picture of Muse after their first performance together. She smiled.

"Yeah.. No matter what, we'll still be together."

The doorbell rang around the house. Eri finished adjusting her clothes as she walked to the front door.

"Ah, Nozomi-chan, Nico-chan."

Nozomi smiled. "Hi, Eri-chi."

"Hey," Nico said. "We came to pick you up."

"Pick me up?" Eri asked.

"Yes," Nozomi responded. "Would you like to walk to the park together?"

"Sure. We're all heading there anyway, right?"

Nico nodded. "Exactly."

Nozomi giggled. "It's also more comforting for some people to not show up alone and nervous."

"Hey, I'm not the only one."

"I know, I know."

Eri just watched the exchange between her fellow third-years, confused. Eventually they left for the park.

She sat there on the bench, in one of her favorite dresses. She hummed rather than sang as she played one of Muse's songs on the piano.

"It's just no use..."

Maki sighed. She had been desperately hoping that music could keep her mind occupied. She hopped she could distract herself, or comfort herself. Something to get her to relax. But for once, her playing couldn't keep her calm.

"Tch. How annoying.."

Had she been the same as from a year ago, she wouldn't be in this situation. She wouldn't feel anxious, she wouldn't have these doubts in her mind, all these uncertainties occupying her thoughts. She wouldn't have had to change. As she looked around her room, though, she found something that made her stop thinking that way entirely.

She picked up the photo she was looking at. It was of their first music video, when Muse was seven members. She slowly started to smile.

"Of course, change isn't always bad..."

Despite how much she loved music, she never imagined herself becoming an idol, and having experienced everything she has with Muse. She looked at Honoka, who was in center of the group as usual, and smiled.

Ever since meeting her, Maki had to adjust to a lot of change. The more she was with Muse, the more she got used to it, and the more she started to enjoy everything. She looked at some of her compositions sitting on the piano. Specifically, the ones she wrote for Honoka.

"She always listened to my songs. She always praised them."

She put the picture back on the piano and got up from the bench.

"That's right. There's nothing to worry about."

Throughout the house, the doorbell rang. She was the only one home, so she went to the front to answer.

"It'll be fine... Everything will be alright... Everything..."

She shook her head.

"This isn't working."

Hanayo sighed. Her time with Muse had steadily helped her get through her confidence issue. But right now was completely different. Nothing could get her to relax. It's like she needed...

She heard a knock from the front door, which made her jump slightly in surprise. She wasn't expecting anyone today, and no one else was home. She almost wanted to ignore the door, but the knock came again, in a familiar pattern.

"Rin-chan. And.. Maki-chan?"

"Hiya Kayo-chin," Rin said smiling.

"Hey," Maki also smiled, though she frowned slightly after she looked at Hanayo. "Are you okay, Hanayo-chan?"

"N-not really..."

"What?" Rin was surprised. "Why not? You aren't excited?"

"I am... but I'm also really nervous..."

Rin and Maki exchanged smiles. Hanayo noticed, and gave them both a confused look.

"Well lucky for you," Rin said, "we came for exactly that reason!"

"Eh?"

"You aren't the only one who's nervous," Maki explained. "We came by to pick you up. We figured we could help each other relax while we walk to the park."

"You two..." Hanayo smiled. She ran from the door to hug both of them. "Thank you so much!"

"Alright.."

The three girls set down what they were carrying onto the grass.

"Yukiho-chan," Honoka said, turning to her sister, "Can you keep a lookout for everyone? Bring them here once they're all together."

"Sure thing."

Yukiho retraced their steps back to the main area of the park. The spot Honoka picked out was a little off one of the pathways. It was in a small clearing, surrounded by sakura trees. As Yukiho walked off, Honoka turned now to Arisa.

"Would you like to help me lay everything out?"

"Of course!" came her enthusiastic reply.

Together the two girls started to unpack the bags they carried. They did so in silence for a little, before Arisa finally decided to ask what was on her mind.

"Honoka-chan?"

"Yes, what is it Arisa-chan?"

"Are you, sure you want to go through with this?"

Honoka froze in the middle of placing another thing out of the bag. She turned to Arisa with a smile.

"Absolutely," she said firmly. "It's something I have to do, and it'll be better for everyone in the end."

"Better for everyone huh.." Arisa giggled a little to herself.

"Hmm?"

"Did Yukiho ever tell you how we became a couple?"

"No... why?"

Arisa sat down and made herself comfortable, but so she could still help unpack. "Well, she ended up doing something similar. A big planned out confession. And she made sure it was something I was completely comfortable with."

"Yukiho did... huh?"

Arisa nodded. "It's not surprising, since you're sisters. I can understand why all of Muse wants you. It's probably the same reason why I love Yukiho."

Honoka giggled. "I guess I can still learn a thing or two from you girls. Oh, and Arisa-chan. Thanks. For helping me, and for taking care of Yukiho-chan. If she's really like me, you must have your hands full."

"My pleasure." A smile that so far only Yukiho could ever get her to make formed once more as they continued their task.

"Hey, isn't that..."

"Kotori-chan, Umi-chan!"

The two turned as they heard their names being called out.

"Maki-chan! Rin-chan! Hanayo-chan!" Kotori called back as she spotted them.

"So, you all came as a group, too," Umi said, smiling as they got closer.

"Mhm. You two as well?" Maki asked.

"Yeah. Made the walk easier."

"Ah, everyone is here."

The five turned at the new voice, and spotted the third years just reaching them.

"Looks like it," Nozomi said.

"Actually that's my line."

They turned to see Yukiho emerge from one of the pathways.

"Hello everyone," she greeted.

"Hello." / "Hi." / "Good Afternoon."

"Yukiho-chan," Eri said after everyone said their greeting. "I don't mean to be abrupt, but-"

"Where's Onee-chan? Don't worry, that's why I'm here." She turned and started heading toward the path she just came from. "Come on."

The eight exchanged glances before they did as they were asked and followed Yukiho. After following the path, Yukiho strayed off, and made sure everyone was still following. She led them a little while longer before they reached the clearing.

"T-this is..." was all Kotori, or anyone could say.

Laid out before them was a big picnic blanket. In the center were various bentos, pots and pans and an assortment of their favorite food. On opposite ends of the blanket were Honoka and Arisa, in the middle of laughing.

"Hey now, what's so funny?" Yukiho asked as she rejoined them.

"Arisa-chan was just telling me some stories about your first few dates," Honoka said, trying to stop her laughter.

"W-what? Arisa-chan!" Yukiho's face turned red fast.

"Hey, hey." Arisa immediately got up to hug and calm Yukiho down. "Relax, we can tell her these things. It's fine."

"But.."

Arisa put a finger over Yukiho's lips to silence her. "It's fine, right?"

Yukiho sighed before she nodded. Arisa's smile seemed even brighter in her delight.

"Honoka-chan.." came Umi's voice.

Remembering why they were here, the three of them stood up. Yukiho and Arisa stepped away to the further end of the blanket, while Honoka approached the rest of Muse.

"What is all this?" Nico asked.

"Well," Honoka held her hands behind her back and smiled. "This is a picnic!"

"..We know that," Maki said.

"But, why?" Rin asked.

"Well, first, because we haven't been on a picnic together before. And, it's an apology for the trick I pulled yesterday when we got home."

"Ah, you know we don't really mind what happened..." Kotori began.

Honoka shook her head. "No, it wasn't right. I was afraid yesterday. I didn't know how to say what I wanted to say. I wasn't ready."

"Honoka-" Rin began.

Honoka made a more serious face, and put her finger to her lip. Rin immediately stopped mid-sentence, and the rest of Muse understood to be quiet. She smiled afterwards though.

"Sorry. Like I said yesterday, though, I'm ready now. But I wanted this to be special. So, Yukiho and I spent all of last night and all of this morning preparing everything. Heh.. After all, it's hard to prepare enough food for the eight girls that you like by yourself."

"...Eh?!" resounded eight voices at once.

Honoka stood there calmly, still with a smile, and placed her finger to her lip once again. She waited till she felt everyone had enough to fully understand her words. Then she continued.

"I thought about it ever since the train ride yesterday. And to tell you the truth, there was no way I could ever choose only one of you. You all mean so much to me, and not just because of Muse. I think I started to realize this during our trip. That you're all very important to me, and I could never pick only one. It would hurt me as much as it would all of you if that were to happen. And I'd never want to hurt any of you. That's why... my feelings belong to all of you. I love you all."

Silence filled the air following Honoka's confession, as the rest of Muse thought through what she just said. Nozomi was the first to break the silence, by laughing.

"That sounds exactly like what you would come up with," she said.

Suddenly, Kotori started laughing next.

"Yeah, it wouldn't be Honoka-chan if she didn't think something up as crazy as this."

Agreement went throughout the other Muse members.

"Though, I want to know one thing," Maki asid.

"Hmm?" Honoka asked.

"Why did you go through the trouble of making the picnic? Why didn't you just tell us?"

Honoka smiled. "Well, it's not every day you confess your love to eight girls at the same time. And I wanted the first thing I did with you all afterwards to be something we could all bond over. Of course, that still relies on your answers... So?"

"So?" Umi echoed.

Honoka looked to them, then realized she forgot something.

"Kotori-chan. Umi-chan. Rin-chan. Maki-chan. Hanayo-chan. Nico-chan. Nozomi-chan. Eri-chan. I love you. I love you all. Will you please go out with me?"

"As if you didn't already know our answer.." Eri said. Honoka smiled playfully.

"Yes," chorused eight replies.

Honoka placed her hand to her chest and let out a huge sigh of relief. Then she ran up to the others, hugging Kotori and Umi, who were the first two she reached. The others joined in for a group hug.

"You're quite dramatic, Honoka-chan," Nico said, and the others laughed.

"I've been wondering something else as well.." Eri said as they separated.

"Hm?"

"Why did you ask Arisa-chan for help as well? And why are they still here?"

Honoka formed a grin. "What's a date without pictures?"

The others looked at Honoka, somewhat surprised by that simple reason. She stepped away from everyone and toward the picnic blanket.

"Come on, let's eat, before everything gets cold!"

Hey guys, nobodD here!

.Goodness... I didn't think I'd finish this in a day. This chapter ended up being A LOT longer than I originally thought, and I figured I would have to wait until tomorrow to finish it. Though, I'm very glad I could finish it quickly for you guys.

Well... C'mon. If you read the description to this story, then this confession shouldn't be surprising at all X3 I thought it would be a lot better to throw in one last scene for everyone before Honoka finally let her feelings be known. At the least, it was a lot of fun to write X3

As far as this story goes, I have an epilogue planned out. So you'll have that to look forward to, and then this story will be officially complete.

Finally, let me know your thoughts. About this chapter. About the story. Anything. Did you enjoy? What was good? What wasn't good? I'd like to know, especially if you have suggestions. I'm still looking to be a better writer for you guys.

That's all from me. Thanks so much for reading, and I hope to see you for the epilogue~