She can hear it, the rhythm. The melody. The natural sounds of the world. She wonders when was the last time she heard it. The beautiful sounds of the world, people's voices. Their deep emotions and feelings. The results ended up with her winning, even now she still feels surreal about it. Unlike her victory last time, this stage was a lot smaller, a fewer audience and yet.. For some reason, she felt like she connected more with this performance. No legendary dress, or her dear friends and Kiryu. But this stage, there was something more important.
A voice from behind her called out to her, "It really was a good stage."
"Kyoko-nee." she addressed her sister.
"Tell me something Lila-chan, do you remember what I said to you after I lost to you the first time?"
What Kyoko-nee said...
"The burden of being the top idol?"
"That's right, Lila-chan it's only been a short time since you became the top idol and you had to leave right away. But even then, you already grasped it a little, didn't you? The burden."
"Ah-huh, it's heavy. No wonder my shoulders hurt a lot recently."
Her sister seemed taken back by her words and laughed.
"Do you not want another serious talk?"
Lila pouted, "I want one. But I'm being serious."
"Sorry, sorry. Are you upset about something?"
"Kyoko-nee, if you knew about me and Haruka. You should have said so. Do you not know what you've done..."
"Oh my, but it's the perfect opportunity to get close." Her sister winked.
"C—close, you don't know.."
Kyoko laughed and Lila sighed, "Really, it's not good for one's heart."
"But Karashima-kun is a good person, he genuinely loves you and you two suit each other very well."
"Kyoko-nee, that's cruel. Saying that now." So cruel, after all her sister should understand it better than anyone right now. Since they just shared the same stage.
"Lila-chan loves Kiryu-kun."
Lila nodded.
"But, the one you should be beside now. The feeling that's stronger, the one who needs you now is Karashima."
"Kyoko-nee."
"You understand that too right?" her sister asked.
... 'Stay by my side.'
"I understand. But, can I let Kiryu go? I don't think I can."
"It will be difficult for you. But you must sort this out properly. I wasn't lying when I said your stage was great. If your feelings were half-hearted you would have lost to me. I can tell your resolve is there, even now there's a burning spirit around you. A bright flame, no, a bright star. You shined so beautifully, so radiant..."
"Kyoko-nee?"
Her sisters gaze softened, "Truly, if it's you. The idol world will be fine. We can't ever bring back the radiance from mothers generation and surpassing her may really be impossible. But when I watch you on stage, I think it's okay even if that were to be the case."
... "Un."
That's right, even if she doesn't surpass mother... It's okay.
.....
Even after Kyoko-nee left, Lila stayed there for the next few minutes. Her gaze landed back on to the audience seats. In a place where nobody knows her identity, she could compete with her sister. It was risky. After all, now people will spread the information that Terashima Kyoko lost to a newbie idol. Her sister's reputation as an idol is at stake. But even then, she went along with her selfish request. No, perhaps for Kyoko-nee. Perhaps for her, she also wanted to settle her feelings on this matter.
Her thoughts broke off when she spotted maroon from below the stage, oh!
"Hey, what are you doing? Aren't they arriving soon?"
"Ah, yeah. I'll come down." Lila said. That startled her, she wasn't expecting to suddenly see him.
"..Stay up there."
Lila blinked in confusion and yet waited patiently. It didn't take long for Haruka to appear beside her.
Haruka's arms wrapped around her, this action startled her slightly, "H-Haruka?" she stammered.
"I forgot to give this to you..." he muttered and attached something on her ear.
Earrings?
"It's beautiful."
"Mm, congrats. For passing the auditions."
... But didn't he say it was a guarantee she would pass. He's so foolish, "Thank you Haruka."
"I'm not looking forward to seeing them."
Lila laughed, "Afraid Arata will scold you?"
"That guy and me can't see eye to eye. But I'll bear with it for your sake."
Oh.. Her gaze softened as she caressed her cheeks, "Don't push yourself. I'd like it if you all got along, but there's not much I can do if you genuinely don't like him."
"Yeah."