Dream Star

August 2035 - DEntertainment Building - (London)

"Mr. Karashima Haruka, do you have anything to add?"

Haruka's thoughts snap back to the present situation. He took a moment to recall what he was doing here — right, a meeting regarding Lila's next activities. Haruka's gaze landed on the files in front of him and the laptop showing what they just discussed. Many people held a divided opinion on Lila's decision with Kogami Yori. While having two powerful idols form a unit together looks good. Both agencies were weighing down the cons of this unit formation. It didn't matter on Lila's side whether she created a group with anyone since Moonlight Entertainment isn't going to restrict her. Those guys are probably glad that Lila's finally becoming properly serious about work again.

Front or not, if one of their only few artists don't ask about work. How do they earn money? Then again, one of the main reasons Lila had such a mindset was him. His gaze lingered on the documents and then looked back at the members of the board, "I do have a few suggestions, this will be beneficial for both since the two are entering the Dream Stars Tournament while the final winner for the tournament is only one person. We can have the top two battle it out, rather than the top 5 round."

Haruka already made plans for the future, though there are other strong competitors. He had a feeling, especially after watching Kogami Yori and Lila's stage who the final two will be.

…

After the meeting ended, Haruka remained in his seat — though he was no longer working. He merely sat there and sighed. People had mixed opinions regarding his suggestion which only irritated him further. Sure it may seem like a crazy plan to people, making changes to the Dream Stars tournament final round. But he already discussed this with his fellow judges. The rest of them also came to that conclusion after watching that stage. He supposes the Entertainment board here are too afraid to make drastic changes to anything.

In an ordinary sense, most people dislike or fear change — naturally making a move like this would bother people. He ought to head back quickly, though the meeting ended at precisely 9:30 am. Haruka's thoughts drafted on to his girlfriend. Sick again, when he thinks about the amount of time she's fallen ill he can't help but worry.

For a particular time, Lila seems okay and healthy. But unexpectedly she would have episodes like she did earlier this morning. Only two hours have passed since he left her side; however, Lila always did things that worried him.

When Haruka left the house earlier, she was fast asleep. But, surely she is awake by now. His thoughts broke off when he felt someone stroke his hair; he opened his eyes and noticed it was Linda. Haruka frowned, "What are you doing?" he looked at the girl with a questioning expression.

Haruka sighed deeply, "What do you want?" Lately, he feels like whenever a woman who supposedly likes him approaches, they have hidden intentions. This girl falls under the category of those who like him.

"I was thinking, could you look over this song I'm writing?"

"That's all?" Haruka asked.

Linda nodded, and he grabbed hold of the papers in the girl's hands, "I only have 10 minutes," Haruka said, "Is that fine with you?"

The girl nodded again, and he pulled up the chair beside him. Linda sat down, and Haruka's gaze fell on the score. A concentrated look on his face. He wanted nothing more than to rush over to Lila's side. However, in the end, he's still a judge and instructor for the Dream Stars Tournament. The higher-ups gave them judges instructions, even in their free time. If a participant asks for help, they had to help. Maybe it was due to his status, but seldom any participants went near him. Because of that during the weekends, he could spend it with Lila.

The only one who dares to approach is this girl. Haruka looked over and noticed Linda trying to lean on him, her breasts pressed against his arm. For a fourteen-year-old, she's grown into a real beauty. She seldom looks her age. But that didn't matter much to him. Why bother with fake goods, when one can have the real thing? Whenever these girls try to approach him, Haruka simply thinks of Lila.

"I want to ask Haruka," Linda spoke up and broke the silence.

He frowned at the usage of his first name. But said nothing of it, waiting for the girl's words.

"Did you pick her because Kiku Ari is Terashima Lila?"

"What makes you think that?"

Linda shook her head, "It's becoming increasingly obvious. So I asked someone to do a vocal analysis for me. It was easy using the clip of her last performance as Terashima Lila and the recent one as Kiku Ari. Anybody can do it, as long as they have money."

Haruka sighed deeply; that's true. Anybody can do what Linda said. But, that's only if they suspect her. Sure rumors are floating around, however as long as he dismisses them and turns the media's attention elsewhere. Haruka doesn't think anybody will suspect Lila. Rather, he's starting to doubt this girl.

The Boss informed him before releasing him for a bit that there's another agent, 'That guy sent her, so I'm unsure who it is.' A spy amongst the participants, with Linda constantly bringing Lila up. It's not too hard to pick up the pieces. But the problem is, Haruka doesn't know how much she knows.

He supposes the first step is, "And if she is Lila so what?" Admitting Ari is Lila. If he admits it like this to her, then Linda will think he's confiding in her. Sure enough, Linda's attitude changed; she placed her hand on his free one.

"I'm just worried about you Haruka," Linda spoke softly, "I mean I understand why you want to defend her. She left her hometown and came to Light town by herself despite her weak condition. It's natural to feel bad for her. But I think you need to look at the larger picture."

Haruka said nothing and lets Linda continues. He wanted to laugh at how easy it was to trick her. Linda carried on, oblivious to his thoughts, "I've heard rather shady things about her, even when she was Terashima Lila. People said she used to sneak out and go partying. They say she got involved with drugs and alcohol and ruined many relationships. Do you know the recent case about where a woman committed suicide because her husband was cheating on her? The husband said his mistresses was a young girl, an old idol who is halting her idol activities. Sure that description can fit anyone, but with this timing.."

He stared at her completely speechless, does this girl even understand what she's accusing Lila off? She's starting to sound ridiculous.

"So you think I shouldn't be together with her because of that?"

Linda paused before she sighed, "Well there are many other reasons. But I guess to sum it up, that girl isn't as simple as she looks. Terashima Lila is hiding behind a mask. You think she's defenseless, but she's messing around behind your back. A girl like that; I don't understand why you would choose her."

Haruka only lasted another few minutes listening to her stupid story. Before he could no longer take it, the documents in his hands landed with a thud on the ground. The weight of the papers was light, but Haruka used a book to lean on earlier. Dropping them caused a large sound.

Linda looked at him confused, "Haruka?"

He reached over and grabbed hold of the girl's neck, a threatening and dangerous look in his eyes. Fear spread through the girl's eyes, and Haruka asked with a smile on his face, "Now care to tell me where those interesting stories came from? Or maybe you'll take responsibility for them?"