Dream Star 211 Preparing For The Concert At Rise Stadium?

August 2035 (Rise Stadium)

"This is good. Take five everyone."

Lila immediately left the stage and made her way up the steps to the audience seats. She found him out back, giving instructions to some staff members. Lila buried her face in his arms and felt his hand wrap around her own. Ah! He didn't say a word to her but didn't tell her to go as he continued giving out instructions.

...........….
"Sorry about that." Haruka apologized.

Lila shook her head, "No, I understand. Thank you for working so hard for my sake."

Haruka nodded and lifted her from the ground, scooping her up in his arms. Lila laughed softly, "I'm okay."

"You're not." Haruka murmured.

He's kind. These days Lila sees it a lot of it — his kindness. Haruka brought her to the private seating area at the top and settled her down.

"Do you want something to eat?"

"Ah, I made our lunches. But I left it in my bag." Haruka nodded and took out his phone, and she watched as he called someone on his phone.

"Just wait a bit."

"Ah-huh…" Lila trailed off and stared at him for a few minutes before she made her mind up and positioned herself on his lap.

"... And this?"

Lila looked at Haruka seriously, "Getting comfortable. And flirting."

"I see."

"I can't?" Lila asked.

Haruka shook his head and gently kissed her forehead, before burying his face in her chest. "No, you can. Lately, I've been happy. Is it because of you? You're the source of this happiness."

Her gaze softened hearing his words, "I hope so. I want to make you happy Haruka."

To dispel the unease Haruka has, she has to do her best for this concert. She has to ensure that it is a success, Lila has to show him her present feelings. She loves him, a lot, but until she shows it in her singing too, there will always be something missing.

...…
The food arrived shortly. It was a bit embarra.s.sing to be caught kissing like that though. But like usual Haruka remained calm. He is too used to it, that makes her uncomfortable. However, he is trying hard to change. Changing isn't easy.

Lila watched him for a bit, but couldn't tell from his actions, so she asked, "Haruka, um is it tasty?"

"Yeah, I like your rolled omelets."

Whenever Haruka says even the simplest words like I like, her heart skips a beat.

Since Lila started to date him, she noticed many things about herself that she didn't before. Haruka caressed her cheeks, "You eat too, don't just watch me."

Lila laughed, "You noticed."

He nodded and extended his chopsticks out, "Eat."

"Okay."

...…

"He's sleeping, can you make sure n.o.body goes up there?" Lila asked.

The staff member nodded, and Lila murmured thanks before she walked down the stairs. When she first saw the rise stadium venue, Lila was surprised. It resembled that place a lot.

Her thoughts broke off when she felt something cold pressed against her cheek.

"Ah, Ritsuko?"

Indeed it was none other than Ookoyama Ritsuko, her friend pale and translucent purple hair looked as beautiful as ever. "I'm sorry for the delay Lilsama."

Lila shook her head, "I'm glad you made it." Though Ritsuko came along since she pa.s.sed the auditions too, she didn't partic.i.p.ate in the training and only showed up for the day of the compet.i.tion. Afterward, she rushed off again.

"Maika did well right?" Lila asked.

Ritsuko nodded, "She's a higher level than me, me beating her the first time around was already a surprise."

Lila chuckled at the memory and Ritsuko's words. "That was the first time I saw you so compet.i.tive."

"I learn everything from you….." Ritsuko paused, "Were you reminiscing? It looks like that place a lot right?"

"Yes." Lila laughed softly, "Lately I keep reminiscing a lot. I guess it's because I miss Kasumi and everyone. And ah I know Kasumi is busy, but I wish she would reply to my messages. I haven't heard from her in a very long time."

"Kasumi-san said she would be returning soon, or rather...she should be on the plane to j.a.pan in the next two days," Ritsuko informed her.

Her eyes lit up at that comment, "Really? Really? Your not lying are you?" Due to her excitement, she grabbed hold of her friend's shoulders and shook them.

"Calm down."

"Oh um right," Lila said, letting go.

Ritsuko smiled, "Yes she will be back before us. We should finish up quickly here, so we can meet up with her."

Lila nodded. "But ah, it's a shame. Mikami-kun came here. If he stayed behind like Koutkun, then they could have met up…"

"Kasumi-san said she had something important to announce. Isn't it better that Hamano-san is here?"

Lila said nothing to that. Something to announce huh? Kasumi looked serious in that announcement. Maybe she ought to contact her friend beforehand. Oh, but she doesn't receive any replies from the number Kasumi gave. So maybe Kasumi changed her phone number? Last time they met, Lila noticed some scars on the girl's neck. But Kasumi brushed it off as falling over. If she thought about it carefully, that shouldn't be possible.

"Its not like you to do something this reckless," Ritsuko commented, pointing to the stage.

Lila laughed knowingly, "Yeah, my demon manager didn't hesitate to reserve a place this big despite my present status here... At the start, I was surprised."

"But now?"

"But now.." Lila repeated and took a few steps forward, as she extended her hand out, "But now I'm glad he did. Though I can sing wherever, and I don't care about the venue size as long as I can sing. In a place like this, I can convey my message properly."

Ritsuko sighed, "That's all good and all if you weren't singing for Karas.h.i.+ma."

Lila smiled, "I know you're worried. But I really do want to sing for Haruka. There's something important I want to tell everyone."

Besides, she recalled the words on that mysterious phone call. There's also something else Lila wanted to confirm.

Before Lila could ponder about it anymore, someone hugged her from behind, "Haruka, um.."

"Don't just go." Haruka murmured.

Oh! "Sorry…"

Haruka nodded in acknowledgment to Ritsuko, before he turned back to the stage. "I heard what you said just now."

Lilas gaze softened, "Isn't it okay? I want to um rea.s.sure you…"

"I don't mind even if you don't sing for me..."

Pain flashed through her eyes as he said that and she hugged him. "Please let me, you know even if I can't say it properly…" Lila murmured. Don't take away her resolve; she wanted to say. But she refrained from doing so.

"Yeah, I know. I understand. Let me finish."

Eh?

Haruka sighed, "Well I figured it out a long time ago already. You're always going to have feelings for him and whether you like it or not it will affect your singing. That's why it's okay. I said it before I want to help you achieve your dream."

It's okay? Is it? Would he be okay if she kept singing for Kiryu? Lila looked at his expression and saw it, sadness and pain. She clenched her fist; he's such a fool. Lila wrapped her arms around his neck, so stupid, stupid when she cares about him this much.

She gives him a gentle and yet sweet kiss before drawing back. "I--I will sing just for you! Not for Kiryu or anyone else." Lila declared.