She's singing this song in acapella. That's a risky move, considering the beat. But, Haruka closed his eyes slightly. Well, it's better than her usual singing. He wondered why. It's not like her to sing with this much emotion. No, this isn't the first time he's heard it, how stupid is she? Really, you're stupid Yumeko.
His fingers were already typing out his score as he forwarded it to one of his fellow judges. He honestly, fixed the sound system up because he knew that's something Lila would do.
But he actually intended to fail her, not because of his grudge. More to do with the fact that he knows the girl doesn't have the skills for this competition. However, the performance he's listening too... It deserves a pass.
___________________________________________________
1996: Kanehera Yumeko: 60
Somehow, she made it. At least for now. Her position isn't stable though, but even if the next contestants after her get in. At the very least, she will only be pushed down to the last place. She did well. Yumeko found herself slumping to the ground, she made it…
Her thoughts broke off when she felt someone lift her up the ground, only to find that it was Mikami-kun. Ah, "Thank you."
"You did a good job. Well done."
Yumeko smiled, "Yeah."
"And another thing, the one that averaged your score out was senpai."
Eh?
"The risk you took was really high and though it did flatter some of the judges, the rest felt it was too much."
Yumeko simply replied with a, "Oh."
"Not fussed?"
Yumeko laughed, "To be honest, I was so caught up in singing, that I didn't really notice."
That was the first time she was able to sing so freely like that. The first time, no, not since that time. It felt like a restriction have been lifted.
"Senpai passed you, no comment?"
Her cheeks reddened slightly and she shook her head, "It means nothing!"
Mikami chuckled, "Sure, sure."
The 75 score she saw, was from Haruka? Thump...
.
.
When she noticed that their audition numbers were close to each other, she ought to have felt threatened. But Yumeko didn't. She watched the grey hair girls performance carefully and listened closely to the judge's comments.
As she thought, Maika-san is really amazing.
This is the person she wants to perform alongside.
___________________________________________________
"Maika-san, wait."
Maika halted in her tracks, "What?"
"I really think you should join our unit."
At that comment, Maika exhaled deeply. This girl is very persistent. While she was acquainted with the girl's brother ever since she was younger. She's never really crossed paths with this girl properly before.
"Enough is enough," Maika said as she raised her tone. Up until now, she had been politely refusing, but she could no longer do so.
"Maika-San?" Yumeko's tone was filled with confusion.
Maika turned around and glared harshly at the girl, "I said it's enough. Don't pester me about this matter every time we meet."
"But, I really think.."
"First of all, aren't you overestimating your abilities far too much?"
She ought to tell this girl straight, otherwise, she would only continue to pester her.
.
.
She should never have bothered with that girl. Maika sighed as she stepped out of the audition room, and walked down the hallway
"I see all the people around Lila-sama are very weak, that won't do."
!!
Maika's eyes went wide in alarm, as she felt a shiver down her spine. Before she could respond though, the girl was no longer there. She didn't waste any time and rushed down the hallway. Maika immediately found the camera crew.
"Let me see."
The camera crew seemed confused but allowed her. The girl was singing a cover of an old traditional group. But despite the odd song choice, there was something beautiful and captivating about the girls singing.
Ookoyama Ritsuko…
People may have already forgotten the maiden name of the girl's mother; however, Maika was one of the people who clearly remembered.
.
.
1: 1998 : Kusabe Ria : 94
2: 1997: Yamamoto Maika: 80
That score…
Maika clenched her fist.
She's still so weak, she isn't able to control her emotions during the most crucial time periods. People may have praised her performance but that was only due to her top idol status. If it wasn't for that...She paused in mid-thought, as she recalled the feedback Karashima just gave her. All except one person.
That guy, doesn't hold back.
___________________________________________________
J Dome, Gardens. 4:00PM
"It's so pretty!"
If looks could kill, he would have been dead by his fellow judges earlier and wouldn't be here with Lila right now. Leaving in the middle of judging is completely uncalled for, but he received word on his phone that his surprise was ready and he didn't want to waste any time. Sure enough, when he arrived at the garden area with the girl, the whole place was filled with beautiful lights.
"Wah, it looks like stars… Look Haruka…"
Before she could turn around, he hugged her from the back.
"Haruka?"
"This place is near the training center too, we can come here often."
"En!" Lila clapped her hands, as she happily continued to look around.
"Also, I want you to answer me seriously."
"Yes?"
...Damn, he's losing his nerve. Haruka could feel the sweat falling from his face. All he has to do is ask her out. Why is it so damned difficult? Haruka pulled out something from his pocket and wrapped it around the girl's porcelain white neck.
"Haruka...? Um, this.."
"Happy birthday..." he muttered.
"Oh..."
"Well, it's a bit late. "
Lila shook her head, she turned to him with a beaming smile, "Thank you, I love it."