Dream Star 261 Pictures Speak Louder Than Words

Following Day August 2035 (Apartment Complex, H Street London)

Geez, why couldn't she reach it?

A certain blue-haired girl was in the store cupboard in the apartment she shared with Haruka. Being granted a day off after that tournament was exactly what she needed. Lila intended to spend the whole day relaxing in Haruka's arms. But unfortunately for her, Haruka had a conference to attend to. He's a busy person; she knew that already but occasionally Lila would feel very frustrated.

For the last few minutes, Lila tried to reach a box at the furthest end. The box that she the was looking for was something that contained things regarding the past. Like she told Haruka that time, Lila wanted to uncover everything and face it. That's why he permitted her to enter. However, for the last few minutes, she could not reach the box.

Lila always believed that she was fairly tall, but now she questioned her height. Why can't she reach the stupid box? Lila sighed, fighting so many people is better than this situation. She's gone through so many complicated cases, life-threatening ones and yet she managed them all. But just reaching the box was difficult. 'Using aurora arrow' popped into her mind. But using her powers for such a reason made her feel weird.

Somebody whose height supposedly increased is having difficulties. Then again, this place made the ceiling heights high. Guess its expected since it is supposed to be an old apartment complex. Lila sighed. Maybe she should just forget it, she had been trying for the past hour, and it was utterly useless.

Out of all the times, she needed a bodyguard Takes.h.i.+ wasn't with her. 'I'll be your bodyguard from today onwards,' yeah right. He was hardly around at all. Lila understood that he had a business to take care of, but he's unreliable at times where she needs him.

Those words weren't her being selfish; most people would probably take it that way. It's more like she dislikes it when she's left alone. It makes her remember things she would rather forget.

All alone, huh? It felt like it had been a long time since she was truly alone. Whenever she is by herself, it isn't long - but even then Lila still tried to prevent it as much as possible.

Even going on a mission is better than this... Lila sighed again when she realized what she was thinking.

Now she's even asking to be sent on more missions. Yeah, this whole trying to get the box thing and spending 1hr in such a cramped room drove her crazy at last. But out of all the days they have nothing for her to do, it just had to be today. Then again, after what happened last time. They probably won't be sending her on any missions for a while.

She really was all alone, huh? It felt strange to her now. When was the last time she had been alone? Lila could no longer recall it; she grew used to not being alone.

Her thoughts broke off when someone reached over and took the box she struggled to reach with ease. "Need a hand?"

"Who ---" Lila paused when she saw who it was, "Miami-kun...."

"I see your ditching today too."

Lila rolled her eyes, "Don't put me on your level," Lila trailed off," Lessons are canceled today. Probably since the last round before the main tournament is right around the corner. Instead of making us practice, even more, the coach advised us that relaxing would do us some good instead."

Mikami pulled a face, as he looks at the box in his hands, "And I'm guessing your idea of relaxing is this?"

"No, it's just," Lila was cut off when he placed the box in her hands. "Ah, thank you."

"I don't know what's in the box. But I'm guessing it's vital, for you to go through all this trouble. You've been in here for a long time I'm guessing," Mikami stared at her. Lila blinked confused? He sighed and reached over to wipe her face with a towel, "I see the strong can be clueless too, eh? You have dirt on your face, and your hair is a mess," he explained.

Lila's gaze fell on an old mirror on the side, yet she could still her reflection clearly. Specks of dust remained even though Mikami-kun wiped it with a cloth. Even on her skirt, there was traces of dirt, oh she guessed she got affected staying here too long. Guess that it is expected and all.

Mikami nodded and put his handkerchief back in his pocket, "So, what's in the box?"

Oh. Lila opened it, despite it being sealed tightly she opened it easily. Mikami gave her a questioning look before he shook his head.

Huh? What's that all about. Lila turned to the box and rummaged through it until she pulled out a single alb.u.m. "Found it."

"An alb.u.m?"

Lila nodded, "Not just any alb.u.m..."

.....
The two of them sat down on the cold floor; the black-haired boy had suggested to look through it in the lounge. Lila didn't want to risk Haruka returning and looking. Lila summed up the situation for Mikami. He didn't seem surprised at all.

"I always thought senpai's reaction to you was strange, but now it makes sense."

"That's why I want to look through some alb.u.ms. Pictures speak louder than words."