"A---a—showdown with Terashima Kyoko?!!" Yumeko exclaimed in complete disbelief. Since she heard the news, the girl panicked non stop. Well, he understood why. Who would have thought that Lila-chan would pull that move?
"That's right," Mikami said.
"Eh? Eh? Why why?"
Mikami reached over and pinched the girl's cheeks, "What's wrong with it?"
"But, it's the number 2- the former number 1 idol. She held the title for so long too, so she's definitely OP."
"OP people have weaknesses too, and someone can beat them," Mikami replied.
"True, if this was a soccer game. You wouldn't give up, just because the other person has better specs." Takahiro commented. Ruka nodded in agreement to that.
Mikami's gaze fell on Kouta who had remained silent, "And your thoughts?"
"It's up to her," Kouta responded coldly.
"Are you really still sulking? Do you know how many weeks have passed already.."
Senbi placed his hand on his shoulder, and Mikami exhaled deeply. It can't be helped. It's true, that for Kouta; that must have been the biggest mistake he's ever made.
"Yumeko?"
"I will see her!"
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[NP: Start Of Your Dream ]
Hmm, it's been a while since she last sung this song. When Lila heard her sister's song choice, she knew the girl intended to take this completely seriously. Although nothing's really changed; and she can still sing her high notes like before. At least nothing changed in a bad way. Her singing, her voice… with this song. She can probably sing it a lot better than before. The problem is, she only just figured this theory out. How far can she go with her present voice? It's interesting. But she better start slowly and gradually increase the tune.
_____________________________________________
Oh, this…
'You don't have to worry.'
Yumeko recalled Mikami's words from just moments ago, and everybody else is calm demeanour. For a while now. No, ever since she first met Ari-chan, there's something she has been suspecting. It can't be. But if it is, it would make sense. Igarashi-san came to see her, Senbi-san is here too and even Ichinose Oujiro. If she looks at it this way, it should be clear who the girl's identity is; and yet... Lila-chan, loves Kiryu-san right? The person she got to know 'Ari' is in love with Haruka-kun. However, if she thinks about it…
The blonde sighed, she can't come up with a conclusion for this on her own. Perhaps there's somebody who knows? Surely one other.. Mikami-kun probably knows something. Her brother and Takahiro-kun as well. When she thinks about it that makes the chances of Ari-chan being Terashima Lila higher. The only other girl Mikami is interested in is Terashima Lila, the same goes for her brother. The two were very persistent about getting her to be their composer.
Her thoughts broke off upon seeing maroon coloured hair in front of the door. Gee, what bad timing.
____________________________________________
"Ah did you come to wish me luck?" Lila said happily.
Seeing the girls happy demeanour he paused. He came here to scold her. A showdown with someone with light powers won't be good for her, so he planned to persuade her not to do it. It appears as though he can't do that though. He exhaled deeply, Lila was still patiently waiting for a response from him.
He pulled something out of the documents he carried, a folder.
"This?"
"It's a record of the changes in your singing since you debuted as Kiku Ari. I also recorded all your stages too," he explained, as he handed her several discs.
"Wahhhh !"
W—what?
"Haruka your so kind."
.. Is she an idiot? He looked away, "It's only natural I do this much.." He trailed off, before adding, "As your manager."
But the girl already saw through him.
Lila's gaze softened, and he watched as she put the stuff he gave her aside and tugged on his hand, "I think I can take a break now.."
.
.
"Break time, break time."
So this is how he found himself yet again spending time with her. He has already lost count of the happy moments he spends with her. Seeing how she seemed genuinely happy being beside him, warmed his heart. What Mikami said, he hasn't forgotten, but Haruka would not allow himself to get conceited. After all, he fully understood the girl's feelings towards Austin Kiryu, far better than all the others.
"Do you miss him?"
Lila nodded, "I do.." she drawled, "Being with you Haruka makes me thrilled, I feel content and warmth when I am with you. I can temporarily forget about the loneliness."
"But?"
"But," she repeated. "When I am alone. All my thoughts and actions bring me back to Kiryu. I love him."
"....."
He really stands no chance against Austin Kiryu huh? He already knew this, and yet he held on to hope.
"Haruka, do you recall what happened on the 13th?"
"You mean the chocolate kisses?"
She hits him and rolled her eyes as she said sarcastically, "No, I meant another occasion where I acted like an idiot.."
He thought to himself seriously for a moment before she hit him again, "I'm kidding, I know." He really does. He has wanted to ask her about it.
"Will you tell me now why you have been acting strangely?"
The girl paused but shook her head, "Not yet, I can't say it yet."
Haruka sensed her tone and asked, "Because of him? Do you have to meet with him first?"
"Hmm."
Maybe she will break up with Austin Kiryu for his sake? That's a far-fetched dream, but one could hope, especially considering her recent behaviour towards him.
"Could you tell me something? Why did you choose him over Ichinose Oujiro?" Even though that guy's music skills were slightly above average. Haruka could tell how she genuinely cared for him. So he thought Ichinose equally stood a chance and yet, she chose Austin Kiryu. He doesn't understand why. Though his case is a lot different. Austin Kiryu is the same type as him.
A dangerous guy. His thoughts broke off when she brushed her fingers against his hair, "L-"
"Tell me Haruka, why do you love me? You know how much I love Kiryu. Normally, would you continue pursuing a girl who already has another person?"
Haruka sighed, "Most guys who aren't good like me would do that easily… And I told you the reason I wanted you already."
"But hasn't that changed? I can tell you genuinely care about me."
"I do. But that's why I know.. Don't hold back, tell me about him. And yourself. It's the only way I can help you."
Lila nodded, "Okay." She paused for a moment, "My relationship with Kiryu wasn't a simple one and do you know the story how we first dated?"
"I don't."
"I caught him sleeping around with Rosalia-senpai."
Huh? What? Well, he already knew about those two. But..he didn't think Lila caught on to what was going on between them. So she knew..
"We got together on that day."
… Haruka stared at her in disbelief and exhaled deeply, "Are you kidding?"
Lila laughed, "I'm not.."
He wasn't expecting this. He expected some cheesy romance story. "How did it end up…" Haruka really wasn't sure how to ask.
But, he has to know...