Dream Star

It feels like so much has happened in a short amount of time. Kasumi tossed back and forth on her bed. Honestly, there was a reason why she refrained from speaking more than necessary the other day. Listening to Lila speak about Karas.h.i.+ma, Kasumi could tell. Lila loves Karas.h.i.+ma; there is no stopping her friend anymore. Unlike the relations.h.i.+p Lila shared with Kiryu, there is something much more there. A deeper emotion.

_

Last year -

Miyabi walked over to her, "Congratulations, Kasumi."

Kasumi, however, kept looking down at her feet. How could she be happy?

"Wasn"t your goal to defeat me? All your hard work is paid off, so at least look a little happy."

But is this really okay? If anyone would win, it should have been senpai. What sorts of had rumors will arise now? That the legendary generation has fallen? She doesn"t like it. "I"m thrilled for you. Thank you for surpa.s.sing me."

She"s so silly, Miyabi-senpai.

Miyabi patted her shoulders, ""From now on, whether it"s your modeling or solo singing work, and of course, being in a group now too. Be the "human" Iwa Kasumi rather than the idol Iwa Kasumi. However, if you can combine both, then surely that alternative path is okay to take too. Either way, whatever side you take, I like them both."

Her eyes widened when she recognized those words. That"s right, a long time ago Miyabi-senpai said that to her.

"Senpai, you"re the one who said that to me. At the start, I didn"t understand what you meant, and even now, it"s difficult for me to comprehend. But I think I"ve found it now. The message I want to spread."

"I am so very proud of you," the expression on her senpais face looked so proud and Kasumi wanted to look away.

"Thank you for making me an idol."

"I made you into an idol, yes. But the one who made you realise your dreams is not me. "At that comment, Miyabi glances over at Lila beside her, and then back at her, "Please continue to guide the idol world, as the two pillars."

"Of course. If Kasumi is with me, we will make it even more amazing."

"Lila, don"t lose."

"Who do you take me for?"

_

The two pillars that lead the idol world, huh? So much has happened in the past six months that Kasumi almost forgot about that promise. She spent so much energy on trying to polish her skills so she would one day be able to stand on the same day as Lila.

She really doesn"t want to move. Kasumi already pa.s.sed the tickets to the others. Is it not fine not to attend?

"Kasumi! What are you doing sleeping in for?" Maaya lectured through the other end of the phone.

"Your a guest performer for the Dream Stars Tournament main."

Wait. What?!!!

…..

It was late when she finally managed to arrive to the venue — being told that in such short notice. Kasumi didn"t get an opportunity to dress up much. She simply put on a random dress, pair of shoes, and bag. Strangely enough, her random outfit looks nice. Entering a room filled with strangers was nerve-racking. Kasumi glanced around the room and spotted Lila. She and Karas.h.i.+ma were hugging in the corner. Her sweat fell; they do this in public too?

"Kasumi!" Lila chirped as she freed herself from Karas.h.i.+ma"s arms. "I heard your performing solo. I"m so excited."

So excited? But she put on that disgraceful performance the other day.

"Your only excited to see Kasumi? How about me?" a familiar voice from behind her said. Kasumi blinked when she saw grey hair.

"Kiryu!!" Lila exclaimed happily.

"Hey, you look as cheerful and cute as ever."

"I feel so happy whenever I see you, Kiryu."

"Hm, that"s good to know."

Haruka grabbed hold of Lila and pulled her back into his arms. He did it so casually that Kasumi had to admit he looked slightly cool there.

"Wife," Haruka addressed Lila. "How about me?"

"Hubby too! I"m so happy; everybody is performing."

Karas.h.i.+ma will sing too? The very same Karas.h.i.+ma Haruka who refuses to perform. Before she could comment, Kasumi spotted a woman wearing a mask on her face by the door. Even with the mask, one could see the scars on her face. How awful, did she get into an accident?

"Isn"t that Aizawa Mei?"

"Whoah, look at her face."

Haruka let"s go of Lila, "Mm, wife, stay here. I"ll see what"s up."

Lila frowned and grabbed hold of his hands, "You don"t have to go."

..

In the end, Kasumi followed them out onto the halls. She was curious. People say that Karas.h.i.+ma has changed now. But, she saw a brief glimpse of unease on Lila"s face there. One can"t be too careful when it comes to these things. So she followed them out but only after a few minutes pa.s.sed.

Aizawa Mei"s arms wrapped around Haruka"s neck, and she leaned into him. Anybody walking by would find the sight alluring. "Haruka, I"m so lonely. Please don"t leave me, don"t get angry."

"Listen, Lila really doesn"t want me to meet you anymore. I"ve been thinking this for a while now too. Mei, as a friend, I"ve already done enough for you. What more do you want from me?"

"I never wanted to be your friend!" Mei exclaimed.

"I"m sorry to hear that, but that"s all I ever saw you."

"No, I can"t accept that!"

"Calm down, okay? We can talk after the tournament is over."

"There"s still time before the start, why don"t you keep me company?"

"I want to be with my wife."

"So, he knows how to reject someone?" Kasumi thought. Completely different from the rumors indeed. But, it"s still difficult for her to accept him. Then again, Lila seems to have the utmost confidence in Karas.h.i.+ma Haruka. Kasumi was about to make her way back inside when she spotted black hair. Lila leaned on the pillar and was humming. Clearly, she trusts Karas.h.i.+ma, but Kasumi sighed.

"Your husband is a good person."

Lila turned around and laughed, "He is, isn"t he?"

"Don"t sound so pleased. I still think he shouldn"t have followed that woman out.."

"Right, right, that was wrong. But, it"s normal for him to have his flaws. So," Lila looked at her.

"He rejected her. But I"m sure this isn"t the first time?"

Lila nodded. "Yes, he"s rejected her quite a bit already. It seems like she doesn"t want to give up, no matter how harsh Haruka is with her. That kind of love is something I can"t understand. If Haruka acted so cold towards me, I"d never be able to take it. Aizawa is different from me, her love for Haruka is different. Perhaps it"s even stronger than mine."

"Lila, that"s..."

"He"s coming, let"s not talk about this in front of him. I don"t want to worry him."

Kasumi wanted to reply to that, but Haruka appeared from the corner. When he saw Lila, he scooped the girl up in his arms. "Mmm, wife. You came to pick me up?"

"Yes, you said we would flirt before the show."

"I"m glad you remembered."

A love that"s different and stronger, huh? Kasumi can"t say she understood what Lila meant. However, to think even now, Lila is still bearing such sadness. Her thoughts broke of when somebody grabbed hold of her arm.

The man dragged her down the hall, and Kasumi did not let go. Why would she? She recognized this person all too well. "M-ik" Kasumi stared at the men who just grabbed hold of her and pulled her away.

"Hey there," Mikami greeted with his signature smirk on his face.

"What on earth are you doing here?"