Yume no Tobira: A Love Live School Idol Project Fanfic

Chapter 14

“Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“How many times are you goin’ to ask me that?”

“I just really don't feel like this is a good idea…”

“Elichi, I told you already, you don't have to help me if you don't wanna.”

“I'm not letting you do this alone, Nozomi!” Eli stated.

Nozomi giggled, “Then stop questioning me and hurry up.”

The two girls headed up to Eli’s bedroom. Once there, they locked the door and sat on the floor.

“I really don't like this… aren't you being too pushy?” Eli asked, watching as Nozomi started digging through her bag.

“I'm not doing anything yet. I just want to show you what I plan to do.” Nozomi explained as she pulled out her phone.

“Are you certain it won't have any other side effects?” Eli asked, her eyes filled with worry.

“It won't. I would never do this if I felt they'd be in danger. And I'd never force someone to do something they didn't want. The cards told me to do this, Elichi. Surely that will convince you.” Nozomi was getting a bit fed up, but stayed smiling and acting happy as could be. She would never be able to forgive herself if she snapped at Eli.

…

“Hey! You're late!” Umi glared at Honoka as she skidded to a stop beside her.

“Gomen, my mom needed help setting up the store.” Honoka apologized.

“You could've texted me! I've been waiting here looking like an idiot!” Umi scolded.

Honoka took a deep breath before replying, “If you want me to help, stop yelling at me. I can leave right now if I want to.”

Umi was taken back by Honoka's statement. She wasn't expecting her to say something like that. Normally, she'd just shrug it off and move on.

“Look, I'm not in a good mood right now. I'm sorry. Can we go now?” Umi forced out an apology.

“What's wrong?” Honoka asked.

“Family issues. Can we go now?” Umi repeated.

“Yeah. Let's go.” Honoka nodded and they set off to go to a small hideout that they (Honoka, Kotori, and Umi) made one summer.

“By the way, I invited someone else to meet us there.” Honoka mumbled quietly, not sure how Umi would react.

“Who?” Umi demanded.

“It's not Kotori-chan, I promise. I just thought you'd like advice from someone who knows more about love.” Honoka stated.

“Who is it?” Umi stopped walking.

“Umi-chan, come on! Why do you need to know so badly?” Honoka asked, getting a little frustrated.

Sure, Umi was stubborn at times. Honoka knew that better than most. But, Umi wasn't being her normal stubborn. She was being way too stubborn.

“I'm not going anywhere until you tell me.” Umi stated firmly.

Honoka sighed, “It's Nico-chan, alright. Let's go before she gets mad too.”

Umi started walking again. She felt kinda bad. She knew very well that she was taking her frustration out on Honoka. But, she couldn't tell her why. She wasn't ready for anyone to know what was going on in her personal life.

But she still wanted help with Kotori, so she mumbled out another apology and left it at that.

Why did she suddenly admit her feelings and want to confess?, Honoka wondered as they silently walked through the woods, And why is she being so harsh today?

“Where were you?! You said be here ten minutes ago!” Nico was mad as Honoka predicted.

“We got held up by some crowds.” Umi lied quickly before Honoka said something moronic.

“Why did you call me out here, Honoka?” Nico accepted the explanation and got back to the important topic.

“Well, I wanted your help… Umi-chan, uh… can I tell her?” Honoka asked, not wanting to make Umi too uncomfortable.

Umi didn't reply right away. She wasn't sure if telling Nico was the best idea. Umi was worried she'd tell Kotori without her permission.

“Uh… there's someone I like… and I want to… tell them. But, I don't know how to…” Umi managed to mumbled out, hoping Nico wouldn't ask who and would just help her.

“Oh. So you finally admit you like Kotori, huh?” Nico sneered.

“Y-you knew…” Umi was starting to get flustered.

“Well, it's obvious. You two act so lovey-dovey all the time. Kotori can make you blush so easily and you won't say no to her. Everyone knows, Umi. And we're all fine with it. And, don't tell her I told you, but Kotori admitted that she liked you to me and Eli a few weeks ago.” Nico explained, keeping her tone even, knowing Umi was very uncomfortable with how the situation was playing out.

“Will you help me? Or are you going to ruin it?” Umi questioned.

“Jeez, I wouldn't ruin this for you! I'm gonna help. And if you want, I bet Rin, Hanayo, and Maki would help too.” Nico replied, letting it be obvious she was “offended” that Umi would think she'd tattle to Kotori.

“What exactly do you have in mind?” Umi was suspicious.

“Well,” Honoka mumbled, “we were thinking of doing a little scavenger hunt. Kotori would be asked to meet someone in the club room and then we'd give her a riddle for what room to go to next and a hint as to why we're doing this. If she figures it out, we could bring her to you on the roof early.”

“Alright. That'll do. But, who's gonna be helping?” Umi asked.

“Everyone but Nozomi-chan and Eli-chan. They're busy planning something exciting. Well, that's what they said.” Honoka answered.

“When are we doing it?”

“Tomorrow?”

“Okay. Let's gather everyone then.”