Dream Star

A few days later

The two of them wasted no time making the preparations. But they did not hold a press conference; instead, they spread things through word of mouth. So nobody could confirm whether it was real or not. Both of them came up with this idea to create hype, Lila chuckled quietly to herself. While Yori was busy finishing a few things up, she arrived early and was waiting patiently for her friend. Lila decided to do some light stretches; she closed her eyes.

Training like this is peaceful since she started this journey a lot has happened. In the beginning, she was too caught up in matters regarding Haruka and Haruka alone that she failed to see what was going on around her.

The opportunities she missed, friendship wise too. Lila didn't come to Light town just for Kanehera Yumeko and her to end up in such awkward terms. But that is the current situation. It's okay, right now things are better this way. She and Yumeko can't come to terms with the matter regarding Haruka. Even if they performed together, there would only be conflict in their performance. Besides the person, she wants to stand beside her now is Kogami Yori.

She and Yumeko spoke about her dreams, but the promise with Yori takes priority over that. Her dear friend Kgogami Yori.

She recalled Kasumi's words from the interview and shut her eyes. Everybody's hope, even now it's still her. She still finds that hard to believe but even now she holds those special feelings they left behind with her. If she can shine brighter with Yori on stage then — once again, she can repay those feelings. This time around she isn't in her hometown, nor is she in Light town or even Japan. But it's okay, no matter where she is. She can make anywhere her stage.

...…...

Riverbank

When Yori eventually showed up, rather than practice. Her friend immediately dragged her away. The whole journey though, Yori didn't say a word.

Lila's eyes go wide when they arrived at the riverbank. She could spot the fireworks in everybody's hands. Everybody as in — Kotori, Jaehee, Maika, Ritsuko, Ruka, Mikami-kun, Takahiro by the riverbank. Fireworks?

Yori beamed happily, "The sun will set soon; it's perfect timing!"

She supposes that's true.

After helping everybody set things up, Lila noticed how the orange skies immediately turned black. Ah, "Alright, time to start!" Yori said.

With Yori's instructions, the others lit up the fireworks. Explosions filled the sky in a matter of seconds.

It was warm. Lila closed her eyes as the glitter that decorated the sky faded into nothingness. That moment he decided something, the reason that such brightness had to disappear was simple. All things special did, like him.

Her precious person reminded her of a firework, bright, light and warm. It took time for people to gain Kiryus trust, but when they did, he would treat them with respect and kindness. Those qualities in him were what made Austin Kiryu shine brightly to her. But there are those people like Rosalia-chan who wish to manipulate those good feelings — leading to Kiryu hiding behind a shell that nobody else but her could break. He's afraid of getting hurt but more than that, afraid he will hurt others.

Kiryu, one day they will meet again. By the time they do, she wonders if she can finally answer the question he asked her that day.

Her thoughts broke off when she noticed Yori stand beside her, "Still have your doubts?"

"A little," Lila trailed off, "Everything is changing so fast; it's a little overwhelming for me."

"But change is good. The reason you started this journey may have been for something different. However, the end goal is the same isn't it?"

"The end goal?" Lila repeated.

Yori nodded, "Yes, Lila tell me. Don't you want to meet Kiryu again? And everybody else. You rejected Karashima's offer to return because you associate Kiryu and the others all together."

"That's true; I don't want to meet anybody with half-hearted feelings. But at the same time," Lila trailed off, her gaze flickered towards the sky, "I want to believe in the feelings they gave me."

"Their feelings huh? That's a lot to carry on your shoulders."

Lila recalled her conversation with Maika during the first day of the Dream Stars tournament. She hunched down and placed her hand on the river water, "A burden huh," Lila drawled, "I agree, it's a heavy burden. But the thing is, I'm not alone."

Yori smiled and joined her, "That's true; you aren't alone. No," the girl shook her head, "You were never alone."

"Yori."

"Even before I returned to your side you were never alone. You were surrounded by so much love. But the scars from the past made you fail to see what was right beside you," Yori paused and grabbed hold of her hand causing her to drop the firework, "Lila, you're not alone. Please don't forget that."

Ah, Lila chuckled softly, noticing Yori's enthusiasm. She must have worried loads of people with her actions, "I understand, thank you."

....

Dome

For an abrupt live, the stage was rather grand. Many people turned up too. Lila knew she would have to thank Haruka later. Lila understands that Haruka won't show up here. So she will save this gratitude for later when she meets him. Her thoughts broke off when the doors opened revealing Yori. She left her for a bit earlier, so she hadn't seen her friend in two hours. They did not need to say anymore words, as the blue hair glanced over at Yori - indeed there seemed to be something different about her friend. No, it's the same for her too. Something has changed, but that change is not a bad one.

"This is actually pretty nerve-racking you know," Yori said with a nervous laugh, "We haven't stood on stage together for such a long time."

Laughter passed Lila's at Yori's comment, "That's what you say first?"

"But but," Yori protested, "The one standing next to me is the oh so amazing Terashima Lila. Of course one would be worried."

Lila rolled her eyes at that comment, and sighed, "Isn't that pressure on me?"

Yori smiled, "Heh. But it's true," Yori's gaze is soft as she commented, "You really are amazing Lila, I admire you so much."

"That admiration is nice and all. But as my rival, you should have more motivation?"

"Right, I shouldn't slack," Yori extended her hand out, "It's about time we show people. My — our miracle."