Dream Star 163 Falling Rain 16

"Even though this road is filled with endless thorns.
I will keep walking straight ahead.
And see a path of light alongside you." Lila sang.

Lila turned to the score sheet on the music stand and made more adjustments. Hmm, somehow it doesn't seem right. She was composing the song for the individual round entry. For the dream star tournament first round. While there is an automatic group tournament, there are also solo rounds. It's not compulsory, but to make herself stand out, she ought to do it. Her thoughts broke off when she noticed maroon colored hair stroll across the room.

"Ah Haruka, mor-" she trailed off when his arms wrapped around her, "Haruka?"

"...."

Lila noticed it right away. Is he trembling? What's wrong?

"Lila…" Haruka murmured.

"Yes?"

"Let me kiss you."

"Okay." Lila nodded. Haruka lifted his head from her chest and cupped her cheeks. He looked lonely. "Haruka..." she murmured his name softly. She wants to help him. But he still doesn't confined in her, for now, this is the least she can do.
.
.
He fell asleep. Lila ran her hand through his hair. Seeing the wound on his cheek, she frowned.

"Haruka?"

"Lay down." Haruka instructed.

Lila nodded and joined him on the couch. It was small, so she had to snuggle up close to him. Does she ask him or not?

Does she have the right to ask? "We're going to England soon. Are you ready?" Haruka asked as he broke the silence.

"Ah-huh."

"Pa.s.sport... Do you have one as Ari?"

"I do."

"Mm."

Somehow, she feels awkward. Lately, the conversations between them have been tiny. Most of the time it ends up with Haruka kissing her or drinking her blood.

"Tell me Haruka. Did you listen just now?"

"Yeah. Your playing is nice as usual." Haruka complimented.

Her gaze softened, he's a fool. She was playing and singing an old song she wrote for Kiryu before and making adjustments. When she saw the theme, Lila figured using this song would be for the best. Haruka who has always claimed to be her fan should know that better than anyone.

"I simply felt nostalgic. But it's fine now since we've broken up."

"... I see."

That's his reaction? Didn't he want her to admit it? Her thoughts broke off when he caressed her cheek, "Yeah, you're no longer his, huh?"

No longer, huh?

"But, your heart will always belong to him. Hah, is there any hope for me.."

Oh. Lila recalled Kiryus words.

'Karas.h.i.+ma doesn't think you like him, Lila. So you should show him…'

Haruka continued, "The thing is, even if you liked me. Is it possible to even enter a proper relations.h.i.+p with you?"

Ah.

"Don't cry, Lila… I won't force myself on you anymore, and even if we don't date. You'll always be special.."

No, no, that's not why she's crying. Earlier she thought she was singing for Kiryu. But hearing Haruka's words, she understands. For a while now, she's only been able to sing for him. Haruka pulled her into his arms. Before he wrapped a blanket around them both. "Sleep, you have a difficult schedule from today onwards. We have a lot do here before going abroad."

"Haruka.."

"I'll stay right here, so sleep…"

.

.

Three hours later
To think she slept so long. When she woke up Haruka was still there though; he told her there was one place they should go to before going to work. The rain had cleared up slightly; her gaze landed on his hand that was inter winded with hers. Her heart is beating rapidly. Does he realize he's holding her hand?

The two arrived at a hilltop, noticing familiar trees with wish plates and a crowd of students there. Her eyes sparkled. Kotori-chan, Maikchan and Jae-hee spotted them and made their way over.

"Wahh! Tanabata decorations?" Lila exclaimed.

"Yeah, our school holds an event at this hilltop every year," Maika explained, "Still, I'm surprised…"

Surprised?

Kotori chuckled, "The person behind you rarely attends."

Oh! She turned to Haruka who looked away, "What's wrong with me coming here because of you?"

Her cheeks reddened.

Jae-hee scowls, "Please don't tell me you two came here to flirt."

"T-that's…"

"Yumeko, give these two a wish plate." Jae-hee rolled her eyes and called out.

"Ah, Ari…" Yumeko trailed off and paused. Lila watched as she briefly met Haruka's gaze before turning to the plates and taking two. She quickly handed it to Jae-hee to pa.s.s along.

Lila blinked in confusion. While the two usually don't get along with each other, isn't there something different? She doesn't have time to ask though since Haruka tugged on her hand.

...

The two found a quiet spot away from everybody else, but not too far, and Lila unsealed the pen. Despite her excitement though, she frowned when she noticed that she couldn't write. How odd.

"Do you not have a wish? A goal?" Haruka asked.

"I do, but, eh?"

... Why can't she write it down?

"I'll tell you mine."

Haruka slides up his wish plate.

'I want to be with Lila forever.'

Thump. Thump. Lila's cheeks reddened, and Haruka got up and walked over. He cupped her cheeks, "Your wish isn't similar to this?"

S—similar? She doesn't know. His lips brushed against her neck.

"Ari, let me see what your thinking."

She shook her head and pulled away from him. She can't let him see. Haruka, however, pushed her down until he hovered over her.

"H-aru-"

"I love you..." He murmured against her ear, "I love you."

Wait.. wh—what?

"I love you; will you be mine?"

"H—Haruka..." Lila stammered. Is he asking her out? What does she do, she's so happy? She needs to tell him too, about her feelings. Before she could say anything though, Haruka pulled back. Eh?

"Tomorrow. The weather supposedly clears up in the afternoon, but the morning is fine too. Do you want to go somewhere?"

Her eyes brightened, "Then, could you show me the places you go to Haruka?"

"Huh?"

She could use this chance to learn more things about him. Haruka is quiet for a moment before he nodded.

"Well, I guess that's fine."

Lila sits up, and she ever so casually got closer. Before she rested her head on his shoulder, "Tired?" Haruka asked.

"A little. Is it okay to stay like this?"

"I don't mind."

Despite those three short words, Lila sensed his kindness. There's something different about Haruka now. Since when did he change? July 7th. How ironic. Today really is Tanabata, but the one she's beside isn't Kiryu. The one she wants to be with isn't Kiryu now it's Haruka, and yet this tale still suits her and Kiryu better. The day in the year when the two lovers Hikobos.h.i.+ and Orihime separated by the milky way are allowed to meet each other.

----
A few months ago, April 22nd.

Kiryu rea.s.sured her, by kissing her eyelids, nose, lips gently as he softly murmured, "Sssh, it's okay. Meeting frequently is impossible. But once every month is doable."

Once every month.

"It's like Orihime and Hikobos.h.i.+!"

"Pfft, that's once in a year isn't it?"

"But, it's the same." Lila insisted.

---

She has to move forward, this is the decision she's made. Her thoughts are already being consumed by Haruka. But today, just for a while longer. Let her think of Kiryu.

"Lila?" Haruka asked.

She buried her face in his chest, hiding away her tears. It's unfair to cry now. This is the last time, the last time she will cry for Kiryu. It really will be the last.