Dream Star 223 Iwa Kasumi's Radiance

2033 - Universal S Middle School

"Number one?" Kasumi almost spat out the sand which she was eating in her hands but managed to swallow the contents. She looked at Lila with wide eyes, "Isn't this a bit of an abrupt decision?" Many people dream of becoming a G.o.ddess four-member, let alone the top idol. Those two things cannot be achieved until the present status quo changes, anyway.

Teras.h.i.+ma Kyoko is the top idol, and the members of the current G.o.ddess four have Kyoko-san's mentor - Ahoji k.u.mi. It will not be easy. Lila has always lagged behind the two.

"Ahuh, you know my mother was always aiming for it. Even though she was already the brightest star that anyone has seen before. Mother already surpa.s.sed all idols who came before her and yet she was always aiming to improve herself further. I too, want to s.h.i.+ne just as bright, or maybe brighter. The first step is to win the G.o.dess4 compet.i.tion! With all of you."

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Lila said such two words, and who would have thought that they really would all end up making it together. It's not as though she lacked confidence; but ever, one knows how legendary Ahoji k.u.mi's generation is. They won 4 times in a row, and everyone was expecting the 5th year. So when Maaya won during the 1st day, there were already speculations on changes. Funny enough in those speculations, neither her nor Lila were mentioned and yet in the end day they were the top scorers.

They all achieved last years goal. They became a member of the G.o.ddess4 and overcame their difficulties. Right now the four of them are all aiming for something much higher, than what they were that year and the last year too.

....

When Kasumi heard the reports, she was surprised.

Surely if it's Sumire-san, she will not leave Lila like this. She won't abandon the people who saved her from darkness and come before long. But it's true they aren't getting anywhere right now, they have to believe in the adults. However, they are, too slow. Last year she thought something similar, and sure enough, Lila who found happiness with Kiryu still ended it.

What does she do? There has to be something she can do for her friend now. Something, her thoughts broke off when she heard a sound behind her and called out, "Instead of silently guarding her, wouldn't it be better if you comforted her when she has these moments, Izumi-kun?"

The sound coming from the forest drew her attention, but Kasumi did not flinch. One would usually be scared in this situation - however, she knows there's, only one person who could be here at this time. Indeed Kasumi is not surprised when Izumi walked out of the forest.

"You can sense where I am," Izumi said. This person is Izumi, also one of Lila's guards.

Kasumi noticed that Izumi was uncomfortable by that fact. He isn't even trying to hide it. Kasumi smiled, "Don't underestimate the Iwa and Momoi bloodline combined. It's quite the fearsome combination."

"I don't disagree."

Even if he agrees with her, why does that response sound so sarcastic? What's more his expression, it's even harder to read then Kiryu's. She really can't tell what he's thinking. It's no wonder Lila gets mad whenever she's with him. However, recalling what happened two days ago, Kasumi thinks she's beginning to understand. Usually, with people Lila dislike, Lila never crosses their paths again much or less still speak with them. At first, she thought it was because of the relations.h.i.+p with her mother that they continued talking with each other. But it turned out that's not the case at all here.

There is something about this person, "I don't know why you insist on remaining distance to Lila when you're not indifferent to her. However, I don't think you can keep up that act for long."

A mask is not something you can continue wearing, even more so after you met Teras.h.i.+ma Lila.

Izumi paused but suddenly declared, "I will go to her."

Kasumi nodded, "That's for the best," Izumi bowed one last time, and Kasumi watched his retreating figure leave. She walked over to the large tree in the center of the courtyard and closed her eyes. She isn't like Lila who can sense anything special, but something is relaxing about this.

....

Kasumi is surprised to find she wasn't alone in the concert venue, instead there stood Kiryu. A somewhat stunned look on his daze as he took a puff out of his cigarette. He nodded in acknowledgment when he saw her. Kasumi too does the same, and for a while, there was silence until Kiryu spoke up.

"I didn't think you'd pull this sort of move."

Kasumi laughed, "Your that surprised?" She never thought she would catch Kiryu of guard like this.

The girl felt Kiryu glance at her; an uncertain look filled his eyes as he asked, "Is this okay with you?"

"Yes. I know those two won't move unless I take action. In the end, my dream hasn't changed, that why I will do anything to ensure I achieve it," Kasumi said and took a few steps forward, she extended her hand out towards the ceiling. Her dream, the words she spoke to Lila that day.

Kiryu said nothing at first, "Lately, I've had a lot of time to think. Do you remember when you asked me last year if I was suddenly confessing to Lila out of guilt?"

Kasumi nodded, "I remember," She remembers it all too well, "Sorry back then I was irritated. I didn't mean to..." Kasumi paused when she saw the expression on Kiryu's face.

"No, I understand. Maybe you were right. I left Lila waiting for such a long time, even though I knew her feelings. Our relations.h.i.+p had many complications from the very start. But unlike the relations.h.i.+p she has with Karas.h.i.+ma, I could never openly tell her what was on my mind," Kiryu trailed off. His face contained a trace of pain but he took a few steps forward until he was ahead of her, "But it was because of her that I even got this far, no matter what decision she ends up making. I'll accept it, even if it means permanently letting go of her hand."

Kasumi's gaze softened at Kiryu's words; he really is a fool. But it seems like he's made his mind up, "Then, I'll make sure to support you,"

"Heh, maybe I can use that to my advantage."

She rolled her eyes and hit his shoulders, "If you want to suck up to me. You have to work on it."

....

Star Stadium - 11:00PM

Kasumi peeked through the curtain, "Woahhh there's too many people," Rather considering how late she made the announcement and the time of this concert, Kasumi didn't think that too many people would make it and yet the place was full. She supposes everybody is curious about it, back in France she didn't put on many stages after all. When Kasumi performed, the stages weren't made public.

Faced with the stunning light of a bright star, Kasumi was motivated to do her best to reach that bright light. Even though there at times where she envies Lila; Kasumi never let it get to her. If Lila did not s.h.i.+ne as bright as she did, she probably would not be motivated to work as hard as she does.

It's because Kasumi saw exactly how bright the light around Lila is, that she too decided to per sue her dreams. Not just as a model but as an idol. It's because she saw such a radiating light, that she came this far. Lila, even if their paths are separated. Surely they will meet again properly on the same stage, that's why until then she will continue doing her best.

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A certain woman with long black hair walked over to the railing, her lips curve to a smile, "What a radiant light," Sumire smiled, A light to the future, one that won't lose out to her daughter. It seems like bit by bit they are starting to unveil it, the feelings they've kept hidden this whole time.