Disclaimer: I do NOT own Love Live!

Honoka woke up feeling better than she has in a while in the morning. She rubbed her eyes until she could see clearly and looked around. She was a little puzzled.

This isn't my room...

She heard a voice behind her, and was aware of arms holding her from behind.

Oh right. I slept over at Tsubasa's house.

The quick instance of worry instantly faded as she started to remember yesterday's events. While a lot of stuff happened, it still was a successful date in the end. And it ended in a very unexpected, yet pleasant, way. Thinking about her luck with Muse, she didn't expect things to end up as smoothly as they did.

All thanks to this girl.

Honoka put her hands over Tsubasa's, which were wrapped around her stomach. She appreciated the warmth and comfort she felt from Tsubasa right now. It felt a lot different than all the hugs and everything that they've done up until this point. Though, Honoka wasn't quite sure why. Then she thought about yesterday in the alley.

It's probably because of that... because she said those things...

For a moment, she played with the idea of something more happening at that time. Their faces were really close in that moment. A little closer, and they may not still be laying here only as friends.

Would I really be okay with that, though?

She'd be the first to admit she acts very openly with Tsubasa. She never warmed up to anyone like that before. Yet, she felt very comfortable with Tsubasa, despite only having really got to know her this past week. She never once hesitated in her actions, and she definitely had no regrets about them. It all felt natural to her. But now, laying here thinking about Tsubasa as someone more than just a new friend, Honoka's mind became full of a lot of questions.

Could I really take a step like that? Would she be okay with it? What does she even think of me?

Honoka sighed quietly. As she did, she felt Tsubasa tighten her hold on Honoka.

"Tsubasa?"

"Someone like you shouldn't be feeling down so early in the morning," Tsubasa said.

She loosened her hold on Honoka so Honoka could turn to face her.

"Good morning," Honoka said.

"Good morning. So, mind telling me what's bugging you?"

"Nothing really. I was just thinking about things."

"Like?"

"Lots of things. But I'm done now, so you don't have to worry."

"If you say so.."

"You know, you shouldn't worry so much that it gets you down in the morning, either."

"Alright, alright. Fair enough."

Honoka smiled. "Thanks for worrying about me, though."

"Don't mention it," Tsubasa said, blushing slightly.

"Let's have breakfast? I should probably go home after."

As much as Tsubasa didn't want to, she agreed. So they made their way downstairs, finding that Tsubasa's mom had breakfast ready for them already. They both ate breakfast somewhat slowly, stalling for a bit of time. Eventually they went back to Tsubasa's room. Honoka changed out of the clothes she borrowed and back into her original outfit from yesterday, while Tsubasa changed into something different than yesterday.

After a bit of talking to take up more time, they left Tsubasa's house. They walked slowly toward Honoka's house, talking about where Tsubasa was at in the manga. A little sooner than they'd like, they turned the corner that led to Honoka's house.

"Thanks for walking me home again," Honoka said as they made their way down the street.

"My pleasure. You sure you're going to be okay?"

As they started getting closer, they saw Honoka's mom standing outside of the store. She waved to them, and they waved back. Then she disappeared into the store.

"Yeah, I think so."

"Maybe I should stay over after all?"

Honoka shook her head. "I've troubled you enough for now. I'll just get you some sweets to take home."

Tsubasa sighed. "Alright.."

They got closer to the store, but then something happened that made them freeze in place. Eli emerged from the store. She turned to them, one hand on her hip, and a serious, almost angry look on her face. And to add to their surprise, they found that Eli was not alone. The rest of Muse made their way out of the store.

Tsubasa almost didn't want to believe what was happening. She turned to Honoka, who took a step back. She could see the horror on Honoka's face, and it gave her a very uncomfortable feeling. But it also stirred up something else inside her.

"Honoka, we need to talk," Eli stated, keeping her voice leveled for now.

Eli took a step forward, and Honoka took another step back.

"W-what are you all doing here?" Honoka barely managed, shaking a little from fear.

"Well, we came yesterday because we needed to talk to you," Maki informed.

"But you never came home," Kotori pointed out.

"Luckily, your sister asked that we stay over the night so we could wait for you," Nozomi finished.

...Are they serious? They really would've ambushed her last night if they got the chance... Tsubasa was really not liking this situation right now.

"How could you miss practice again? After I talked to you about it the other day?" Umi asked in a bit of an annoyed tone.

"You might be the center, but that doesn't give you the right to act so selfishly," Eli let a bit of annoyance show in her voice as well.

Alright, I've had enough of this. Tsubasa stepped in front of Honoka. "You know, you all really don't have the right to tell her she's being selfish right now."

The other Muse were a bit surprised at Tsubasa. Eli was the first to recover.

"Kira, this has nothing to do with you. Please just let us handle things."

"No," Tsubasa replied firmly. "In fact, it's really you all that's the problem right now."

"Really, please don't say things when you don't understand the situation."

Tsubasa crossed her arms. "Please, I know everything I need to know. It's you that doesn't understand."

Eli was visibly starting to lose a little patience. Nozomi stepped to her side to calm her down.

"Really? So why don't you tell us everything you know then?" Umi challenged.

"Fine. I know that you're all in relationships with each other. And I know that you're all happy with it. In fact, you all are so happy that you let it leak into you practices. And you all are so into each other, you've failed to notice that you left one person out. The very person who sacrificed her own happiness for you all, and you let her silently suffer in that loneliness."

The world seemed to stand still after that. Everyone, even Honoka, was surprised by Tsubasa. Honoka had been surprised that Tsubasa had even stepped forward to defend her. The rest of Muse were shocked by what Tsubasa had said. They were particularly stunned by the last sentence.

"What do you mean?" Kotori asked a little hesitantly.

"You all really are wrapped up in each other. Too much to notice how uncomfortable Honoka's been. Too much to notice how lonely she's felt. I bet none of you could even tell something was wrong with her, right?"

"Is... is all that true, Honoka?" Umi almost didn't want to hear the answer.

"Well.. Do you know where I was or what I was doing on Monday?" Honoka asked.

The other Muse looked at each other, hoping someone would be able to answer. But no answer came from any of them.

"She was alone at the park, crying," Tsubasa answered. "She would've let herself sit there soaking wet if I didn't happen to pass by. And who knows what else she would've done."

T-Tsubasa... that's pushing it a little. Honoka thought. Though she could see why she was exaggerating a bit.

"Then.." came Maki. "Why did you skip practice?"

"Would you want to be stuck in one place for an hour watching all you friends act all lovey-dovey with each other? In the middle of practice?" Honoka asked.

Another long period of silence while Muse reflected over their leader's words. Tsubasa noticed that guild was starting to be evident on a few of their faces.

"I... I'm sorry we didn't notice earlier, Honoka-chan..." Kotori said.

"Sorry isn't good enough this time," Honoka said. "Not after what I've been through. Now if you'll excuse me."

Finally Honoka stepped out from behind Tsubasa and started walking. She ignored the other Muse as she walked by them and into her family's store. Tsubasa followed Honoka, but stopped at the door, looking back at the stunned Muse. She felt a little mix of pride in Honoka, but sympathy for the other Muse. As far as reality checks go, that was a little harsh.

"If I were you all, I'd get together and figure out a way to properly apologize. She can't stay mad forever, and you at least owe that much to her."

"What's your role in all this?" Nozomi asked.

"Role?"

"Yes. Why did you help Honoka, and why are you trying to help us now? Why did you get involved? "

"As the leader of A-Rise, and a fellow idol, it would be sad to see Muse go over something like this. As for me, I found a girl crying by herself in the rain and I helped her, like any person would. But more importantly than anything else, I listened to her problems, and I was there for her."

Deciding that should be enough, Tsubasa entered the store, leaving the rest of Muse outside.

I hope that's enough advice to help them.

Tsubasa found Honoka in her room, cuddling the teddy bear she gave her. They were only alone for a few minutes before there was a knock on the door. It turned out to be Yukiho this time.

"O-Onee-chan..."

Honoka just looked up and waited for Yukhio to continue.

"I'm sorry... about telling the others about yesterday. Eli-senpai had Arisa convince me to do it. I know it was wrong..."

Honoka sighed. "It's alright, Yukiho-chan. I should be the one apologizing."

"E-eh?" Both Tsubasa and Yukiho were surprised by that.

"When I saw them trying to find us yesterday, I just assumed that you did it behind my back. But if you had no choice, then I can't blame you. I should've trusted you more, and not jump to conclusions."

"Onee-chan..."

Honoka got up from the bed, putting the teddy bear down, and went to hug her sister. Yukiho started to cry a little, happy that Honoka was understanding but still upset at what she had done. Tsubasa smiled as she watched the sisters.

Yukiho calmed back down after a few minutes. She formally introduced herself to Tsubasa, mentioning how she used to be a big fan of A-Rise before Honoka got Muse together. After that she left the room.

The mood had been light for a bit while Yukiho was there. But as she left, the tension leftover from the earlier meeting with the other Muse returned, and the two sat in silence for a bit of time.

"Tsubasa."

"Yes?"

'Thanks for sticking up for me earlier."

"It's not a problem. Besides, you didn't seem to need it in the end."

Honoka shook her head. "I panicked when I saw them. I wasn't sure what to do. If you weren't with me, they would've completely placed the blame on me."

"Well... I'm sure anyone else in my position would've done the same..."

There was another few moments of silence.

"Hey... what part of the manga did you get to again?"

"Hmm.. I believe they had just escaped the castle. Why?"

"Can I spoil what happens next?"

"Huh? What do you-"

Honoka scooted closer to Tsubasa.

"H-hey, w-what ar-"

Tsubasa was quickly silenced as a pair of lips met her own. Her eyes widened in surprise, almost unable to believe what was happening.

S-she's kissing me?!

Hey guys, nobodD here!

I actually wasn't expecting this chapter to be done so soon. The conversations were a bit tricky, and I thought it'd take me longer to get the right feeling to them. I really hope the right things are clear about how this chapter was supposed to go.

Please review your thoughts and what you think will happen next! And I promise to work hard to get the next chapter ready soon. So... yeah, sorry about the cliffhanger! *hides*

Bye for now~