Dream Star 165 Falling Rain 18

July 8th, 2035. On a random street.

Haruka didn't know what he was doing, even though he should have attended that critical event. Though he got close to the building, he quickly turned his car away. It was a good thing that his guard had family affairs to attend too. Haruka didn't want to meet with anyone right now. He walked through the rain, deep in thought. It was today. Four years ago, on this day. If only he weren't so stupid if he just realized. If he realized much sooner, then he could have prevented a lot of things from happening.

Yumeko and Atsuya wouldn't have had that conflict. Yumeko's feelings for him wouldn't have resurfaced. Atsuya wouldn't need to worry about Selia, since he would have used his connections. Kannsenpai wouldn't have misunderstood.

All those events, all their lives were so firmly connected. Haruka should have noticed. They were always together, the six of them.

They spent countless days together. How come he didn't realize? Haruka clenched his fist. Everything's gone wrong, and now even Lila is getting dragged into it. Selia liking Austin Kiryu, for now, it isn't an issue. But when the ma.s.s media blow up the matter too much, Haruka knows it will affect her. He doesn't want to see such a sad expression on her face ever again. He no longer wants to see anyone in pain.

Haruka clenched his fist, revealing a red ribbon. He always wore it around his arm, but today he loosened it to hold it properly. He always thought it was strange that she wore a red ribbon, even when most of her clothes were shades of purple. When he asked her, she shyly told him that, 'It's your favorite color Haruka.'

Is it? He never noticed it. He remembered feeling surprised, things like his favorite color and favorite foods. He never really told anyone. In interviews, he would reply with a random bunch of answers, not that he intended to lie. But it was because he genuinely did not know.

_______________________________________________

The next words that Kannsan said made her bolt out of the cafe and left without saying goodbye. Lila rushed to the location where Haruka said he would be; he told her he had worked here. But when Lila asked the security guard at the front, they told her he didn't come. That Harukas absence caused a riot. She quickly excused herself and ran through the rain.

.

.
Three hours later.

Where is he? Where could he have gone?

Ah how stupid. Lila doesn't know. She knows nothing about him. What's the use of running around like this? Her thoughts broke off when she felt herself no longer getting soaked by the rain and looked up.

"Brother?" Lila whispered. Although it was raining, she could make out her brother's face, she extended her hand out, "Brother…"

"It's all right. I know where Haruka is." Huan said.

"Where? Where is he? I have to hurry…"

When she heard the story from that woman, she couldn't believe it. But a part of her may have already known. All those cruel exchanges and words, yet at the end of the day, 'Yumeko.' In the end, Haruka showed to everyone that he trusted Yumeko still. That no matter what happened, he wouldn't dismiss her. He's such a kind person.

Her brother pats her hair, "Lead him to a path of light, do what I couldn't do.."

...

When she next opened her eyes, she found herself on the other side of town. She clenched her fist, brother. Once she's sorted things out with him, she will make sure brother can show himself to Haruka. Right now though that would do more damage than good. Lila walked down the path and found Haruka in an alleyway, slumped against the wall. He was staring at the sky with an absent-minded and a dazed look on his face.

Lila walked over.

"I spoke with Nasaki-san."

"I see."

"She told me about before.." Lila said.

"Yeah."

Seeing how he was staring at her but his gaze remained cold and lifeless. She felt the tears well up in the corner of her eyes. Don't cry; she has to stay strong. But why? Why did Haruka have to suffer so much? It's unfair. Her thoughts broke off when he extended his hand out.

"Don't cry, Lila."

!!!

It was three words, and yet Lila saw the light return to his eyes because he mentioned her. Because he's worried about her. Haruka's so kind, why did he have to suffer? This person. The person she likes.

___________________________________________________________

Is she still crying? He doesn't want to see her cry. Haruka still felt like he was in a daze. He had been wandering around aimlessly and eventually crouched down in a corner. He's remained like this ever since. Despite his confused state, he noticed when she came.

His thoughts broke off when Lila wrapped her arms around his neck.

"What are you doing?"

"Haruka, Haruka..."

Why does she keep repeating his name?

"I like you Haruka. Please go out with me."

His eyes widened, and Haruka pulled her back, "... Stop."

".."

"Stop, I know who you like. You want Austin Kiryu; I've never once entered your eyes. All I do is destroy and tear people's relations.h.i.+ps, so don't say you like me... Don't." Let him keep thinking this way.

Lila, however, hugged him once again, "I don't want to lie anymore. Haruka."

Is she an idiot?

"You see Haruka; I've been battling with these feelings for a long time now. Ever since I arrived in town... no since long before. You showed up in my life unexpectedly, and yet I didn't find it unpleasant. Do you know why that is..? It's because we met once before."

!!

Lila's hands trailed on the ribbon he was holding, "Can you give me this for a second?"

".."

Haruka dumbly does so.

"Yes, this is mine. I'm sorry I forgot so long. But I was waiting for you Haruka. I didn't let Kiryu kiss me for a long time because I made that promise with you. When he found out we kissed, he asked me for one, but I said no. I wanted to treasure the feelings you gave me during the short time we spent together. I was interested. But I already liked Kiryu then, so I wasn't sure about the feelings I had for you. It's already been four years; I understand now where my heart lies."

.... It can't be.

Lila extended the ribbon out, and said. "Karas.h.i.+ma Haruksan, while I'm unworthy and a crybaby, I like you and wish to enter a relations.h.i.+p with you."

".... But you heard the story already, and you know my past. I can't guarantee I'll treasure you either."

Haruka recalled the meeting with the boss that guy's getting out of control.

Lila smiled, "Haruka, I told you already last year, didn't I?
'If I said I it didn't surprise me. I'd be lying. But I don't hate you either. Even if we hadn't met the way we did and all of this happened. I could never hate you. Everyone listens to the songs you write; it leaves a deep impression on people's hearts. It'll be the same from now on.' " she trailed off. "No, it will be different. I'll be writing the songs with you."