Dream Star

"No need?"

Yori smiled weakly, "Yes. The Goddess4 right now can shine brightly even without Lila. But it's nobody's fault. Those three were separated from Lila for so long. In the past, they were the people who knew her the best. However, it's different now. They are still living in the past. While they are gradually accepting you, Haruka, it's hard for them. They don't try to understand things from Lila's perspective anymore. But, Jae-hee, myself, Kotori, and Maika? We initially disagreed with your relationship; however, the more we observed, our opinions changed. Those three, however, aren't giving you a proper chance. They don't see what you've done for Lila, only what Kiryu has done for Lila."

"So, this is about me after all," Haruka looked down. "I don't want to be the reason why she can't perform with her friends. I know that the Goddess4 is important to Lila."

"Haruka, you don't have to blame yourself over this. The reaction from those three are normal, and yet as Lila's friends, they need to accept. Even if they can't like you, they have to respect Lila's decision. Lila doesn't want to perform with them because of such awkward feelings."

"Do you think they are fine without Lila?"

"Honestly," Yori turned towards the stage. The three hadn't come out yet, but the crowd was hyped because of the guest performers. "I don't think they can stand with Lila now. Individually they improved their abilities. But, with such bland feelings and emotions. Their stages are far too dull."

What a harsh woman. However, Kogami's opinion isn't without evidence. There are many critics and random members of the public who have said the same. The Goddess4 isn't the same without Terashima Lila. Iwa Kasumi is doing her best as the center, but something is indeed missing. In the first place, this generation of the Goddess4 became famous because of the tag team between Lila and Iwa Kasumi.

"Gee Gee Gee Gee baby baby baby

Gee Gee Gee Gee ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba

(What should I do?)

What should I do

(About my trembling heart)

My trembling heart

(thump thump)

My heart keeps thumping

So I can't fall asleep at night

I guess I'm a fool

A fool that knows only you

Yes, as I look at you….."

Bland is right.

It's no wonder Kogami said such things. What's with this lousy performance? Indeed, individually, they've gotten better. But as a team? Indeed, if Lila joined them now. Haruka doubts anything would get better.

"...I couldn't even say anything

I'm too embarrassed

Do I not have any courage?

What would be the right thing to do?

Pit-a-pat my heart is anxious

As I'm looking at you

So bright, my eyes are blinded.."

"And now we have a surprise guest performance!"

When the words Kogami Yori appeared, he frowned. He gets a bad feeling about this. Haruka scanned the stall area and noted his wife wasn't there. Uh, oh….

_____

"I love you just like this.

the long end of wandering

I leave behind this world's unending sadness.

In the many unknowable paths...I follow a dim light."

Kasumi already felt that something was weird about Yori asking to perform. But now --- she was baffled when she saw Lila. Wasn't Lila supposed to be hospitalized? What is she doing in Light Town? That didn't matter to her, though. It's surprising, but there is nothing wrong with Lila performing. Yori's dancing has gotten better, as expected from her.

She can really see the harmony between these two.

"Protect me with an unchanged love.

and also my wounded heart.

Looking in your eyes, no words are needed.

Time has stopped," Yori sang.

Her singing too, before Yori's singing, was one of her weak points. But now the girl's voice is better. It's not Lila's level, but it's undoubtedly a high cut above all the others.

"Feeling alone in this night

Your soft breath...

This moment warmly embraces me

I want to tell you all my tremors…." Lila sang.

Her eyes widened when she heard Lila's high note. The crowd, too, seemed to pause before the noise grew louder. Anybody would be surprised hearing such a performance. What is this? Was Lila always this good before? Sure her friend could sing high notes. But, this level is something else now. Since the girl left, Kasumi never missed a day recording and watching her friend's performances. This was the only way she could remain connected with Lila.

"If this were a competition, we would lose," Rinna murmured from behind her.

Maaya sighed, "We compete with Yori. I already knew the gap was this big but.."

"You know, won't Yori ask Lila to join the team?"

Kasumi couldn't say anything as she turned back to the stage. The crowd was getting more hyped up, and the aura around Lila and Yori. 'It's perfect, their harmony.' A perfect stage, a stage where they are having fun. All these feelings transmitted onto the crowd.

This is bad… Kasumi thought she could confidently say she could stand by Lila's side now. But, if she performed together with Lila now, it would only reflect poorly on her. The same goes for the rest of them, what — what have they been doing these past few months?

She clenched her fists into a ball shape. Truthfully speaking, Kasumi felt like it would end up like this, eventually.

….

Kasumi knew she wouldn't be able to sleep much after watching that performance. But, she didn't think it would keep her up all night. Lila was amazing back when she was singing only for Kiryu. However, now, there is something different. She is even better now when she is singing for others.

The present Terashimq Lila is completely different to how she was before. Not only is she thinking of 'love,' but she's also thinking of the importance of her friends. It was the same back when they were younger. She cared for her friends and the one she was in love with. However, back then, there was a distance, a sort of wall that nobody could cross. That wall too appeared in this lifetime, but the more encounters she had, the more time her best friend spent with Karashima Haruka, the more it disappeared until it's in this present state, where there's no trace of it at all.

Lila, she never blames anyone. No matter how many people said terrible things about her.

Her thoughts broke when she spotted brown hair. It belonged to Karashima Haruka; he was leaning against the pillar. Cigarette in hand, with a dazed expression. Kasumi wanted to leave and go the other way, but unfortunately, he saw her.

"Iwa."

"Your waiting for Lila?"

"Yeah."

"..."

Kasumi looks away awkwardly. She doesn't know what to say to him. Sure she lectured him a few times. However, that was when other people were around. Things are different now. She acts all tough, but when it comes to Lila. Kasumi knew her weakness showed right in front of strangers. Thankfully, this tense atmosphere broke in seconds.

"Hubby!" a cheerful voice beamed and rushed over.

"Hey, welcome back," Haruka brushes his hand on her forehead. "Mmm, a bit feverish. Let's go eat something and then take your medicine okay, wife?"

"En, okay!"

"Wife, are you dizzy? Do you want me to carry you."

Lila laughs, "I'm fine, don't freak out," she leaned into his hold. "We can cuddle, though, I'll feel better."

"Mmm, alright, my wife, whatever you say."

"Then, I want to go on a date."

"Where would you like to go?"

Her gaze softened when she saw how kindly Karashima treated Lila. 'He doesn't seem to be a bad guy.' Then again, Kasumi understood that. Although there are bad rumors about Karashima Haruka, he isn't a bad person. In fact, she saw how Karashima reacted when Lila ran into his arms. He immediately held her but hesitated. It's like he's afraid that he would break her with a single touch.

"Then, um, let's go to the park."

"Mmm, got it."

"And then we can go shopping."

"Right, anything you want. I'll buy it for you."

"Ah, then I want some new clothes."

"Alright, I'll pick some for you."

"Haruka, you have to make sure I look cute."

Haruka laughed, "Of course, nothing but the best for you."

Lila's gaze darted towards her, and she spoke up. "Kasumi?" The girl looked at her half wandering and half curious.

Oh shoot, she got caught staring. Kasumi tried to leave, but Lila grabbed hold of her arm. "Wait, I um wanted to give you something."

".."

Lila pulled something out of her pocket. It was three tickets. "Please come and watch me perform at the tournament."