Dream Star

"Let"s see all the scores in one board…."

Kanehera Yumeko: 478

"It"s Kanehersan, the one who will take the last spot to qualify for the second round is…"

She pa.s.sed, she should be happy and yet what is this feeling?

....
A few hours later

Yumeko gazed out of the window, with a dazed expression on her face. The dorms were relatively quiet. The majority who remained were preparing for the first half of the single round tournaments. A deep sigh escaped her lips. This is the first time she"s ever felt like this before, no. This feeling isn"t unfamiliar to her. Before she met Lilchan, she was in quite a slump. That"s the reason why Mikami-kun brought her to star town where Lilchan lived. He wanted her to cheer up by seeing her idol sing. Yumeko accompanied him there, half expecting only to see her idol from a distance. Yumeko didn"t think she would meet her face to face.

Her thoughts broke off when she heard approaching footsteps. Yumeko looked up and found Maiksan. The grey hair girl took a seat opposite her, for the next few minutes it was silent until...

"A unit, I"m planning on forming one soon."

Oh. Yumeko looked hopeful for a second.

"With Ari, Kotori, and Jae-hee."

Yumeko looked down. Of course not with her. Who would want to? Even more so after that disgraceful performance.

"When you asked me during the auditions, I was in a bad mood. And I have to apologize for that. But I"m sure you understand why I was so irritated. Kanehersan, do you actually think I"m suited to be in a unit with you?"

"Eh?" Yumeko said puzzled.

"I know you think we would work well together. But did you consider other factors?"

Other factors…

Maika sighed, "Your expression tells me that you didn"t think about it. Well, I won"t blame you for that. Did you think we would get along? I don"t dislike you, but I can"t bring myself to be your friend either. Your not a bad person. And perhaps this is more to do with my personal feelings. However, I don"t think it will work out. A team needs harmony, and if I can"t even see myself becoming your friend then I doubt we can work on the same team.."

"..."

Despite her lack of response, Maika continued. "You see, the main reason I"m able to even talk to you about this now is because of the other three. They gave me the strength I needed. I haven"t brought it up with them yet but I will. We"ve known each other for a long time Kanehersan, and you"ve been very persistent. But even then, I felt nothing from the kindness you tried to show me. It felt empty, lacking. On the outside, you seem like a cheerful and outgoing person. But there is something eating away at your heart."

"You have to be honest.."

Recalling Ari-chan"s words, Yumeko clenched her fist.

"Until you figure that something out, it won"t just be me who will one day conclude that your kindness is empty. You have plenty of people who care and like you Kanehersan. So I do wish you the best in solving this. Though we couldn"t compete on the same stage alongside each other. I hope to face as you as a rival."

"Maikchan, Jae-hee and Ari-chan"s performance is starting soon...We should…" Kotori trailed off. "Did I interfere?"

"No, we were just done." Maika stood up.

Yumeko could only watch her walk away; she couldn"t say anything back. Just like that time, she could not say a word.

_______________________________________________
Dome (Judges waiting area)

"Now wasn"t that fun." Itsuki wore his usual smile.

Haruka sighed, "Well, after yesterday"s results. It was obvious what would happen."

The top 5 didn"t change much. Only slight changes in 6-10.

"Your girlfriend is trending in the news though," Itsuki said.

Trending? Haruka pulled his phone out and went on entertainment search. The top 10 tags on every social media platform were about her. Haruka blinked, this much impact already? While he understood how much influence the dream stars tournament had. Wasn"t this too fast?

Still, a particular hashtag drew his attention.
#kick kaneherayumeko out

Several familiar looking ones followed.

Haruka understood where they were coming all coming from. Yumeko barely got that last spot, or rather. It was because of Itsuki"s score that Yumeko got in. That guy, what is he thinking? Haruka saw the notes he was writing about the girl. He knew full well that Itsuki didn"t like her performance. He really does have to be cautious about this guy.

"Haruka!" a familiar voice called out to him.

… Haruka blinked, he wasn"t expecting to see her. Is this the first time she used the backstage badge he gave her? He stood up and wrapped his arms around her, "Need something?"

"Oh yeah, um.." Lila shyly whispered in his ear, "Do you know a good private hospital?"

He frowned, "Are you sick?"

"No, um…" Lila looked down, "I want to see the doctor for birth control pills…" she said the last line as a whisper.

"..."

He looked at her dumbfounded for a few minutes. "Do you need them?" Haruka murmured in her ear.

Lila"s cheeks reddened. "But lately you.."

"And?" he questioned.

"Haruka, I have to be careful.." Lila murmured.

That"s true. While Haruka wouldn"t mind having a child with her. She"s probably never thought of such stuff before. "Want me to come with?" he asked.

"No-um. I"ll go with everyone else."

Haruka nodded in approval. Lila didn"t have to clarify who everyone else was. Jae-hee is in her group so he doesn"t have to worry. He quickly writes an address on a slip of paper. "Call me if you need me."

"Okay, Haruka."

With those words said Haruka watched as she walked away. Is that all she needed? She doesn"t have to bring everyone with her. Odd.