Dream Star 221 Resolve

j.a.pan Airport
(August 2035)

The 'I love you' song declaration and broadcast was already all over the news. Iwa Kasumi had the experience of watching it the moment she left the plane. A frown appeared on her face followed by a sigh; she didn't expect this to happen. While it was clear Lila was becoming fond of Karas.h.i.+ma Haruka; the last thing she expected as this, Kazuma followed her gaze, "Isn't it fine? Your friend looks happy."

Kasumi knew she couldn't refute back at those words. Lila looked happy, happier than she's ever seen her before. But since she was Kiryu's friend too, she felt conflicted. It was going to happen, and she's sure Kiryu knew about it too, but it's still upsetting. She ought to see him later after she dropped her belongings off. Lila and Kiryu's matter is complicated; the two made their decision. Kiryu letting Lila go though was what lead to this situation. Kasumi doubts her friend would have started to date Karas.h.i.+ma if Kiryu didn't let Lila go. Another sigh escaped her lips, those two idiots. She knew it; she ought to have returned sooner. What kind of stupid decisions did they make without thinking it through?

.....
When Kasumi stepped out of the airport gates, she spotted three familiar people waiting for her.

"Welcome back." Akari greeted.

A sobbing ginger hair girl, Kira Maaya, her fellow G.o.ddess Four member, "Waahhhhh. I'm not crying because on relieved or anything.."

"She's been crying since she heard.."

"I'm back," Kasumi said with a soft smile.

"Kasu-chan, I'll fetch the other bags from the baggage area," Kazuma said from behind her.

Kasumi nodded, "Yes." She watched as Kazuma walked away and glanced back at her friends who suddenly huddled into a circle and started to gossip.

Rina nodded and murmured, "So that's the boyfriend... It was that guy."

"Kasumi-san's taste is older men..." Akari commented.

"Perhaps it's because of the experienced?" Maaya said.

Kasumi face turned red when she heard those words, "Y--you girls!
...….

Since she had a lot of luggage, she sent half of it to the manor and only kept one suitcase. The airport was crowded, so it was the perfect place to blend in. The five of them chose a nearby cafe to eat. The waitress recognized them and offered the special seats on the second floor; which they gratefully accepted.

"So you two aren't dating?" Rinna clarified.

Kazuma smiled, "While I did ask her, she has somebody she is head over heels in love with."

Kasumi glared at him, but Kazuma simply smiled and ruffled her hair. He's always treating her like a kid. He isn't that much older than her. Head over heels huh?

"Speaking of which...I wish you told us that sooner."

"Did something happen?" Kasumi asked, sensing Rinna's tone.

"Hamano, before he left for London dropped by. Though I didn't meet with him, it was Maaya," Rinna trailed off, "There's something you should give her."

Eh?
Kasumi turned to the ginger hair girl. Maaya seemed hesitant before she took something out of her bag, Kasumi's eyes widened seeing the marriage contract. While they had yet to send it informally, they filled the details already.

Maaya looked a way as she explained, "He said if you were happy already, then he doesn't want to get in your way."

Kasumi said nothing and stared at the papers. Idiot. He's an idiot, what is he doing? Didn't she already clarify it when they met? Did he suddenly have a change of heart in their time apart? No that's not it. Judging from Maaya's expression, Kasumi could tell.

"Did he leave any contact details?" Kasumi asked.

Maaya seemed startled at this reaction, "Ah yes.."

Kasumi took the sheet of paper and took out her phone from her pocket.

Maaya seemed surprised, "Wait you're calling him now?"

"The sooner, the better." She needs to give him a good scolding. What happened to believe in her feelings and all that? Liar. Before Kasumi could dial the numbers though, Kazuma s.n.a.t.c.hed the piece of paper from her.

"Wh-Wh"

"And confiscated. Kasumi-chan, please save this for later, you didn't eat much on the plane. You should get something to eat first," Kazuma lectured.

hat's -- that's true. "I can't scold Mikami on an empty stomach." Kasumi murmured.

Kazuma laughed, "That's a good girl."
___________________________________________________

Three hours later

A girl with mid-length pale ginger hair found herself plagued with heavy sighs. Kira Maaya - age 17, a member of the G.o.dess4 and is steadily on the round to becoming an internationally renowned dancer. While that's still in progress, unlike earlier this year, she has made quite a name for herself.

After helping Kasumi unpack, Maaya returned to work. She was presently in the middle of filming for a new drama series. Though she receited and said her lines flawlessly, she can't help but think back to the events of earlier. Kasumi said it was a fake relations.h.i.+p but...Maaya wondered if her friend knew what sort of expression she wore on her face. Maybe there is something between the two -- Maaya shook her head, shes most likely overthinking things.

Her thoughts broke off when she spotted silver hair, "Kiryu," Maaya greeted.

Kiryu yawned, "Morning."

"It's not morning, your late! Where were you this morning?" Maaya exclaimed.

Kiryu paused, and at this moment she saw it, a look she has not seen in a long time. Before Maaya could voice out her concern, Kiryu flicked her forehead and replied, "Somewhere."

Somewhere? That's avoiding her question. But like usual she was rendered speechless. It's unfair, Kiryu nodded and called out, "Hey director, should I head to the dressing room?"

"Kiryu-kun, your finally here.." The director was on the verge of tears.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's get started." Kiryu walked over.

Maaya stood there frozen and deeply sighed. Idiot. At least let her express concern. But she supposes not even that's allowed anymore.

.....
........
Maaya finished cooling down a new towel and placed it on Kiryus forehead.

When Kiryu collapsed, it did not surprise Maaya at all. She doesn't know what he was up to - but she could make a guess — a heavy scent of alcohol mixed with woman's perfume. Miyazawa Rosalia, only that cunning woman could do something like this. Kasumi just returned, so Maaya didn't want to worry her with this matter. It seems like she will have to handle this situation herself.

Kiryu stirred, and Maaya removed her hand, "Lila...My Lila.."
Kiryu murmured.

Maaya's gaze softened, Kiryu will always love Lila and wait for her. No matter how long it takes. That's why she too has to hold on, for the sake of everyone else.
___________________________________________________

Iwa Family Residence (Kasumi's room)

When she arrived home earlier, Kasumi was relieved to find a note from her parents saying they were abroad. She didn't know how to explain Kazuma staying here. Rather he did not give her a reason, so she didn't know either. Kasumi sighed deeply; she only has a short while to rest. Afterward, she has to go to the agency, the modeling studio she is a regular off, even drop by the school and several other places. But right now she is tired. Kasumi slumped on the bed; she wants to rest for a while. "Mikami.," she whispered, those words as she felt her eyelids droop.