Dream Star 328 First Morning Back

But even if she can't dismiss him from her life, she can't ignore her own boyfriend's discomfort. Though Lila has learned a lot about Karas.h.i.+ma Haruka since they went out with each other. Even for her, that was a first. Seeing him trembling so badly like that. Lila thought the times where he disclosed her past to her was terrible. But what happened at the airport? It strengthened her resolve. She has to put on a performance that shows she didn't abandon everybody, that she still cared for Kiryu and her heart belongs to Haruka. Talk about a hard mission, but she's always liked a good challenge.

----
A few months ago March 2035

The books and imagination in this world are as countless as the stars." her Mother walked over to her and extended her hand out, and Lila reached over too.

"There is still, a fine line that separates the two of us. But, it's only a line now. It's no longer a huge wall. That's why Lilchan. I'll entrust it to you, the future."

"The future."

"As a top idol, and number one star. What is it that you want to do?"

"To make everyone s.h.i.+ne together."

"That's right, now go. Towards the light and don't look back."

-----

Towards the light and don't look back.

Back then, Lila thought her Mother meant to move forward and no longer look at the past. But that's not it, what she meant was not to let your past override your future decisions. Learn from the mistakes of the past and treasure the memories from back then.

She remembers it, yes it was this feeling from before. This feeling she got before she performed her legendary stage.

[Start Of A Dream]

"When I look up at the clear sky
And extend my hand.
I am reaching out for my dream…"

It felt the same as that time, a bright light, and when she opened her eyes. Once again, she was in that place. Another dimension, Lila, took a few steps forward - and halted. Even now she can't go any further than this. But that's fine since this is her current level.

"I find myself at a loss at times, stumble, and fall.
I doubt myself.
But not for long.
You took my hand in yours and said, 'let's achieve our dreams together.'
I realize I'm not alone.

We may be rivals competing.
But we're also dear friends.
All the sweat, tears, pain, and happy moments we felt will one day be rewarded.
So we must preserve.
As long as you continue looking ahead and not surrender.
You'll be able to s.h.i.+ne brightly.

Look towards the sky, look ahead.
What do you see?
It differs for everyone, but surely it's the path to your dream.
The closer you get, the more you'll experience.
The brighter you'll s.h.i.+ne
The more obstacles you'll face, the more changes you'll experience. But do not forget where you started.

As long as you remember this.
There will always be light in the path towards your dream," Lila sang.

When Lila snapped out of it, she seemed to be back on stage. The whole audience seemed stunned; a strange silence filled the stadium before somebody clapped. That single clap followed by numerous applauds.

"Welcome back!"

"Wahhh, that was beautiful."

"Lilsama, truly welcome back."

Her gaze softened, "Yes, I'm back," as she said those words though Lila noticed somebody walking away. Haruka must have been standing on the edge of the stage this whole time. Seeing him walk off, broke her heart.

Lila quickly bowed and followed after him. She buried her head in his back, "Your forgetting me."

"Yeah, sorry."

"Let's go?"

"Mmm."

...….

Lila's Apartment Star Town Block B - 7:00 am - Following Morning.

Lila woke up to an unfamiliar sight.

It wasn't the grey ceilings or brick walls she is used too. It took Lila a moment to recall where she was.

Oh, that's right, she's back home now. Lila looked at her surroundings, 'home' as in the apartment she bought but never really used after furnis.h.i.+ng it. Noticing that the s.p.a.ce beside her was empty, and she woke up feeling cold, she frowned. Lila groggily stood up despite the weak feeling in her body. She knew she ought to rest more, but she wanted to make sure that Haruka was still around. It didn't take her long before she left the room, made her way down the stairs.

Haruka was there; he sat on the living room couch - smoking. She immediately made her way over, at least that's what she usually did. But Lila observed at the door for a few minutes.

Haruka immediately noticed her, "Morning,"

"Haruka, morning," Lila looked at him hesitantly. Is he still angry at her? Last night he was angry. Of course, it was natural for him too. She sang 'start of a dream,' instead of one of the songs he composed. But Lila figured after seeing the press reactions, using one of her Mother's songs was the only way she could convey her message properly. He must have noticed her gaze since he told her to come over, "Am I going to get scolded?" If he's going to yell at her, she wants to prepare herself.

Haruka chuckled, "No need. You made it up to me already."

Yesterday, when they got to her apartment. It reminded her of when they first went out. Except it wasn't raining. Being pinned against the wall, fumbling around for keys. So he's just a s.e.x idiot, well that much she knows already. Lila walked over, and he pulled her onto his lap, "I think you should get angry at me, I sang somebody else's songs without your permission."

"Well, you had to prove something in front of the press, right?"

Lila nodded.

"So, don't mind it too much."

But she can tell he is still bothered by it; it shows on his face. Even if it is her Mother's song and not Kiryu's, it's a song that can easily be a.s.sociated with Kiryu still, if Haruka doesn't want to dwell on it. She can't either, Lila stared at him for a good few seconds before Haruka asked her.

"What?"

"Morning kiss," Lila murmured.

Of course when it comes to kisses, even if she kisses him first. Haruka ends up with the upper hand. But it can't be avoided. His kisses are good, and he has more experience than her. Lila shook off the uncomfortable thought, don't think about it that way. Haruka's lips made its way to her neck, and light moans pa.s.sed her lips as she ran her hand through his hair.

"Say Haruka?"

"Hmmm?"

"Are you okay?" Lila had to ask. Something seemed strange about him, even if he feigns ignorance. Lila understands that yesterdays events upset him. Then again, she sort of deviated from the original plan, the one they discussed on the way here. Lila didn't know what got into her, but the moment she saw Kiryu. All logic just slipped her mind. The moment she saw how much pain Kiryu was in, she --

"Don't think about him now."

"S—sorry but, um," Lila was painfully aware even if Haruka didn't drink her blood, her thoughts showed on her face.

"I get that you're worried. But your performance already cleared everything up, pay attention to me now and forget about him," Harukas tone showed how irritated he was and Lila nodded. Haruka laid her down on the couch and buried his face between her legs. No sooner had he done so; however, they hear the sound of the door.

"Haruka, somebody is at the door..ah.."

"Leave it."

Lila shook her head, "People have the keys to this place," she reminded him. Though she warned him about it before, Haruka probably wasn't paying much attention.

Haruka clicked his tongue in annoyance as he sat up, "Tsk."

He looks furious. But they can't just ignore the door.

...

"Ahem, explain."

Lila looked down, "Well .."

"What happened to 'I'm so in love with Kiryu that it's painful?' How on earth did you end up with Karas.h.i.+ma Haruka?" Kasumi asked.

Haruka walked back over and placed a mug in front of Kasumi, "Isn't it obvious? I made her fall head over heels in love with me."

Lila glared at him, what's with that head over heels comment? But his persistent actions were indeed part of the reason why she went out with him.

Why would she push away somebody who shows her so much sincerity and love?

Kasumi sighed, "Well, I have no right to lecture you on who to fall in love with. But, I'll be blunt. It's going to be more painful for Kiryu seeing you two together in person than just the rumors."

Painful for Kiryu. Lila clenched her fist; she doesn't want him to be in pain.

"You don't have to worry, that won't happen. Because other than dropping her of and picking her up, he won't see us together."

Lola looked at him eyes wide, "Eh?" He didn't discuss this with her. She tugged on his arm, "Haruka?"

"Just a bit of business, for the first few days."

"No!"

"..Ari."

Lila shook her head, "That's not what you promised," she trailed off. Didn't he tell her that he would remain in sight? Why is he backing down on those words now?

"You don't have to worry; nothing will happen."

Even if she trusts Haruka, Lila doesn't trust the people who he is with. They'll do something. They'll drug him if he doesn't willingly comply, and then, then - all sorts of images came to mind.

--------

With Iwa Kasumi giving him the evil eye after Lila pa.s.sed out, Haruka knew he couldn't hide it from the girl.

"I just returned from France, so I wasn't really up to date with Lila's news. Since she was going to come back anyway, I figured I'd just hear it from her. But, what on earth are you thinking?!!"

"I wonder myself..."

Kasumi shook her head, "You don't understand, do you? Lila really loves you. Even though she's changed a lot now, she's the type of person who gets very attached to her relations.h.i.+ps. That's not necessarily a bad thing; she isn't clingy or anything. But the person who is her partner has to love her a lot and be loyal."

Haruka flinched at the words loyal.

"Seriously Karas.h.i.+ma," Kasumi placed a hand on her forehead, this situation was clearly stressing her out, "It's not that difficult. I know you have circ.u.mstances. I'll respect that, but even Kiryu was the same, yet he bounced back because he loves Lila. The love you have for her probably won't lose out to Kiryu either. So I don't understand why this is a big issue. Do you really want to flirt around, or let other girls flirt and touch you?"

"It means nothing to me," Haruka replied. Even though Mei hugged him, then there's Sophia and Linda with there kisses. Haruka felt nothing towards them; the only thing in his mind is Lila. The girl he loves.

"Even so, Lila will misunderstand. It looked like she really wanted to break down and cry about something when she saw me, and I know what that something is now. You're making her feel very uneasy. I know you're worried about her and Kiryu, but there's nothing to worry about. Lila has already given her heart to you."

"..How can I trust that?"

"Listen to your heart and look around you. Why do you think Lila decided to stay in this apartment? She could just bring you home, but in the end, she's respecting your wishes."

That's right; her home is next to the Austin family manor. Her house to is filled with memories of Austin Kiryu.

"Karas.h.i.+ma, think it through okay?"

"Bring Austin Kiryu here; I can't do anything when Lila is like this."

Kasumi nodded, "Alright."