Disclaimer: I do NOT own Love Live!

The next couple of days went by somewhat routinely. Practices went back to normal, and Honoka spent as much of her free time as she could with Tsubasa, even if it was just them doing homework. They did find a way to make their time together even more enjoyable, even for the homework. There was an anime they happened to catch the other day. The episode in particular they saw, the characters were studying and using kisses as a reward every time one got the answer right. They were more than willing to use this method as well, which helped Honoka get through her work in a bearable way. Of course, they still occasionally got distracted by each other.

The Friday classes were done with, and Muse was gathered on the rooftop. They were stretching and getting ready for another practice.

"Honoka," Eli said as she tied her hair into a ponytail.

"Hm? What is it Eli-chan?"

"Do you remember what I asked you earlier in the week?"

"You mean about the Love Live competition?"

Eli nodded. "Did you give it some thought yet?"

"Yeah.. Actually, I talked to Tsubasa about it that day."

Honoka noticed that the others had finished with their stretches and were paying a lot of attention as well.

"Don't worry about me, everyone," she announced. "Not even Tsubasa will get between us. We're still Muse, and we're still going to win Love Live. Even against A-Rise."

Nozomi smiled at Eli. "See? I told you not to worry."

"Right..." Eli said, rolling her eyes.

"You can't blame her though," Umi said to Nozomi.

"Yeah," Maki joined. "It has been in the back of our minds as well."

"Ah, not because of you," Kotori said quickly to Honoka. "It's just-"

"I know," Honoka said. "I understand. Anyway, we got a lot of work ahead of us still. We have to practice hard."

"Right." Eli clapped her hands together. "Which we'll be starting now. Time for some warm ups."

Eli kept true to her word, as she made today's practice a lot more intense. Their starting warm ups were the only thing easy about practice today. Other than that, they were sort of reminded of how hard Eli worked them back when they were trying to convince her to join Muse. Except since she never made practices easier since then, this was a lot harder on them all. They knew it would help them, though, so no one complained at all.

Of course everyone was exhausted at the end. Once they were done, most of them collapsed onto the floor, just so they weren't standing anymore. Eli and Umi grabbed everyone's water bottles and handed them out, before they sat on the floor as well.

"That was good today," Eli said after taking a drink.

"It's not going to get easier though... is it?" Rin asked.

"No. Not until we're done with Love Live."

"Well it can't be helped," Maki said. "We need to be good to beat A-Rise."

Honoka finished off her water bottle. "We will win. I just know it."

They decided to call it a day, grabbing their stuff and leaving the rooftop. At the school gates they separated as they went in different ways to go home. After parting ways again at another corner, Honoka, Eli, and Nozomi were left together.

"Honoka, are you and Tsubasa busy tomorrow?" Nozomi asked.

"I don't think so, why?"

"How would you two like to go on a double date with Eli and me tomorrow?"

"Mm... Sure. I'll tell her about it later."

"Great. Well, this is where we'll part. See you tomorrow."

"Mhm! Bye Nozomi-chan. Eli-chan."

They waved bye to each other and Eli and Nozomi continued walking. Honoka stayed at the corner as this has been where she meets up with Tsubasa. As if on cue, Tsubasa came around the corner. They hurried to each other for a hug and kiss. After, Honoka held onto Tsubasa's arm as they walked home.

"How was your day?" Honoka asked.

"It was fine," Tsubasa replied. "I can't wait to get home though."

Honoka smirked. "Oh? Was practice tiring for you?"

"Well.. there's that too, I guess. But I think you know what I mean."

"Maybe," Honoka said playfully, sneaking a kiss on Tsubasa's cheek.

Tsubasa smiled. "How about you? How was your day?"

"It was good, actually."

"Really? Class wasn't boring for you?"

"I don't know.. I don't remember what happened during class."

"... Were you even paying attention?"

"No... I was daydreaming about you." Honoka gave a little laugh.

"Well, as sweet as that is, you know you should be paying attention to the lessons."

"I know... But I can't help it sometimes. Don't be mad."

"I'm not... I just hoped that we both weren't distracted today."

Honoka looked at Tsubasa. "You mean.."

"Yeah.. I didn't focus at all today either."

"Aww, how sweet," Honoka said, hugging Tsubasa a little tighter.

Tsubasa blushed slightly. "Well... One day couldn't hurt, right?"

"Well..."

"Honoka.."

Honoka sighed. "Yeah... One day couldn't hurt."

Tsubasa smiled and snuck a kiss on Honoka's cheek this time. It took a few more minutes of walking until they reached the store. They greeted Honoka's mom as they passed by to the back leading to the house, and went straight to Honoka's room.

"Say, Tsubasa," Honoka said as the entered. "Was there anything you wanted to do tomorrow?"

"Nothing in particular, as long as we're together."

Honoka blushed. "W-well, Nozomi-chan invited us to go on a double date with her and Eli-chan. Do you want to?"

"A double date huh? Sure, I don't mind." I might even see something interesting, she thought to herself.

"Okay. I'll call her later then and let her know."

"Good." Tsubasa grabbed Honoka and pulled her onto the bed.

"Someone's impatient."

"Can't help it," Tsubasa said, pulling Honoka close. She wasted no time in smothering the ginger's lips with her own.

"Nozomi."

"Don't just stop right before the good part."

"Why did you suddenly decide on a double date earlier?"

She sighed. "Aren't you even a little bit curious about how they're getting along?"

"Well, maybe a little. But why so sudden?"

"Well... I'm a little suspicious of Kira."

That definitely got Eli's attention. "You? Suspicious?"

"Well, we are competing after all. And Honoka's an honest girl. Even if she meant it when they discussed it, I'm a little concerned Kira's feelings in all this."

"Heh, weren't you the one who said to trust Honoka to handle this?"

"Yeah... I was hoping telling you that would convince me as well."

Eli wrapped her arms around Nozomi. "You really are like a mother to the others."

"Would that make you the father?"

"...I walked into that didn't I?"

"Maybe." Nozomi gave Eli a kiss. "Hey, do you think Arisa is asleep now?"

"...Are you thinking about that again?"

"I'm not the only one though."

"...Let's just finish the movie."

Nozomi smirked as she saw the blush on Eli's face. "You're terrible at hiding your feelings."

The four had agreed to meet up close to noon the next day for their double date. They choose to meet in front of Otonokizaka High School, which is where Eli and Nozomi were on their way to already.

"So, what exactly do you plan on doing?" Eli asked. Nozomi had been vague about the plans to the three of them on the phone last night.

"Just do a few things and see how they act."

"Vague as always, I see."

"Well if you know what I'm planning and start acting suspicious, then it might give it away."

Eli rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say."

Soon enough they reached the front of the school. They found Honoka and Tsubasa already there and waiting for them.

"Sorry to keep you two waiting," Eli said as they got close.

"We only got here a little while ago ourselves," Honoka told them.

"Well then, are we all ready?" Nozomi asked.

The younger couple nodded, and the four of them started walking.

"We'll go to the movies first," Nozomi announced. "After that, we can decide from there."

"What are we going to watch?" Honoka asked.

"One of the new movie that just came out."

"Which one is that?" Eli asked.

Wait... Tsubasa realized something. The only new movie that came out was... oh dear..

"What's wrong, Tsubasa?" Honoka asked, feeling Tsubasa squeeze her hand a little tighter.

"O-oh, nothing. Do you know what movie it is, Honoka?"

Honoka shook her head. "I don't know either. But I'm getting a little excited now!"

"That's the spirit," Nozomi said, smiling.

What Honoka and Eli were about to find out, was that the only movie that came out recently was a scary movie. And something else Honoka got to find out, was how easily Tsubasa was startled. On a couple of occasions, something would suddenly pop up or a loud enough noise would play, and Tsubasa would grab tightly onto Honoka's arm. Tsubasa's grip hurt Honoka slightly, but overall she still enjoyed the whole experience. Over to their right, Nozomi was enjoying a similar situation with an uncharacteristically jumpy Eli. She felt a little bad at what she was putting Eli through, though. So she kept herself from looking too amused at Eli's reactions.

"I can't believe you made me sit through that..." Eli said as they walked out.

"Sorry, Eli-chi," Nozomi said, though she was smiling.

Eli sighed. "Well, is that what you wanted to see?" Eli asked, pointing.

Nozomi looked forward, following Elis' finger. Walking a little in front of them was Honoka and Tsubasa. When they were walking here, they had only been holding hands. But now they were walking with Tsubasa latched onto Honoka's arm. And from the side glances at each other, Nozomi saw a bright smile on Honoka's face.

"Somewhat.." Nozomi said.

Suddenly Honoka stopped walking and turned around.

"Um, I need to use the bathroom really quick," she said.

"Go ahead," Nozomi answered. "We'll wait right here."

"Actually, I need to go as well," Eli said suddenly. "Let's go together."

Honoka nodded, and the two of them turned back around for the bathroom, leaving Nozomi and Tsubasa by themselves. As they watched their loves walk away, Nozomi heard Tsubasa let out a sigh.

"Quite a big sigh there," Nozomi said, not looking at Tsubasa.

"Yeah.." Tsubasa said slowly. "I must have looked silly to her just then.."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because.. I was jumpy the entire movie. And Honoka handled it so well. I couldn't keep my cool... I think I might've her arm as well..." Tsubasa sighed again. "How pathetic..."

"Being afraid is nothing to feel ashamed of."

"Eh?"

Nozomi finally looked at Tsubasa. "Not everyone handles things the same. Just because you jump at things that she doesn't, doesn't make you pathetic. And Honoka would feel the same way. She isn't the kind of girl to judge others like that."

"You're probably right.. She doesn't seem like one to judge."

"She's probably happy to see another side of you as well. Imagine if you lied about being afraid and she found out a different way."

"I couldn't.. I'd never lie to Honoka. Not after she put all her trust in me before. That's why you planned this double date, isn't it?"

That caught Nozomi by surprise. "And if it is?"

"Well, it wouldn't be surprising. Honoka told me how you watch over and care for everyone in Muse." She looked Nozomi in the eyes. "I swear, I'll never do anything to hurt Honoka. I won't betray her in any way. And A-Rise will take Muse on fair and square for Love Live."

Perceptive, Nozomi thought. "If that's the case, then I have nothing left to worry about." She smiled. "As the self-proclaimed Mother of Muse, I hope you two get along well. Take care of her, please."

"You have my word."

Honoka and Eli came back a little after. Honoka had hurried to Tsubasa, giving her a hug that nearly made them fall. As Eli reached Nozomi, she noticed the smile she was wearing.

"What's with that look?" Eli asked.

"I think we can fully trust her," Nozomi said.

Eli raised an eyebrow. "You're sure?"

"Positive. They're a great match for each other."

"If you say so." Eli shrugged. As long as Nozomi was sure, she might as well trust it.

Later that night, Honoka and Tsubasa were laying down in bed together. The rest of the house had long fallen asleep, but they were still wide awake. They didn't want to sleep so soon, as there was something on both their minds.

"Your parents are home again tomorrow..." Honoka said.

"Yeah..." She hugged Honoka tightly. "Don't worry though. It's not like this is the last time we can do this."

"But still..."

Tsubasa silenced Honoka with a kiss. "Everything will be fine."

"Alright." They laid quietly for a few moments. "Tsubasa?"

"Yes, Honoka?"

"Can we do something special for tonight then?"

"Sure, anything you want."

"Then.."

Honoka rolled slightly so that she ended up on top of Tsubasa. She started kissing Tsubasa before she had any time to ask what was happening. After a few moments, Tsubasa felt Honoka's hands by her stomach. Then she felt her shirt slowly being lifted up.

"Honoka?" she asked.

"Please?"

Even though the room was dark, they were close enough together that Tsubasa could see Honoka's pleading eyes.

"Alright.. go ahead."

Honoka kissed Tsubasa again. Tsubasa lifted her arms so that Honoka could finish slipping off Tsubasa's shirt. Then she took her own shirt off and tossed it aside. She enjoyed the soft feel of Tsubasa's skin as she felt up and down her body. Tsubasa was enjoying as well, but she tried hard not to make any noise.

"I love you," Honoka whispered.

"I love you, too."

Hey guys, nobodD here!

So now, we'll start to see our main couple start to interact with the other Muse couples. Specifically, we'll get to see how Tsubasa interacts with them as she starts to befriend them, while keeping in mind she still has to go against them for Love Live. Most importantly though, Honoka and Tsubasa grow closer and closer seemingly every chapter. And let's be honest, we're mostly here for their moments alone together. X3

Nozomi is the oldest member of Muse. And she usually gives advice when she helps out the other members. Because of these things, I sometimes joke that she's like the Mother of Muse. She is never referred to in such a way though. I just threw that in here xp

That's it for now. Ciao~