Dream Star

*UNEDITED*

- Material W Studios - Star Town

Haruka already promised that they would go on the trip. So, so it doesn't matter if he attends some board meetings with Rikka-san. Or so she tried to convince herself.

A deep sigh escaped her lips, no good. She can't concentrate this way.

She leaned her head on the table, while listening to the music using a rather old model of headphones. But, Lila could never throw it away. Kiryu gave it to her when they entered middle school. It was very important. Lila started humming, but before she knew it she started singing.

"You're singing is as lovely as ever, Lila-chan," a familiar voice said at the doorway.

Lila looked up and her eyes brightened when she saw who was at the door. Bright blonde hair and blue coloured eyes. "Yumeko-chan!"

"Can I join you."

"Of course," Lila moved her stuff to the other side of the long seat. Yumeko took a seat beside her and Lila scanned the girl up and down. "Somehow, the aura around you is different now."

The girl laughed, "I'm still far from you, but I am working on my idol rank."

Ah, "Give me that for a second," Lila noticed the tablet showing the current idol rankings. The blonde haired girl passed it to her.

"Yumeko-chan, notice this spot is empty?"

Yumeko nodded.

Lila closed her eyes, " I, by the end of these tournaments intend to be the one to fill it."

"That's just like you Lila-chan, you're so strong," Yumeko sighed. "I've always wondered where your conviction came from. But, there is no need to ask. I understand now after watching you for so long."

Her gaze softened when she hears the girl's words. "You know, part of my conviction was you."

Yumeko sweat fell, "I do know, and that's why I feel so guilty."

"You don't have to," her gaze landed on the list , "However, I'm not the only one who desires that. Sure enough everybody else thinks the same. The desire of being on top and the feeling of wanting to surpass my mother. I think it's something everyone wants to do," Lila mumbled.

'Yet, Lila doesn't think there is an idol out there who can surpass Terashima Sumire yet.' An idol who can shine brighter than her mother?

"But even if the chances are slim. You know everyone has the possibility to be the center, to be at the top. Girls are selfish they want to be liked, they want to be someone's number one'. Those feelings exist in any girl even if they hide it. That is the seed of the center and one day that seed blooms into something beautiful."

They all started out as a budding seed, a seed searching for a bright light to help them grow.

Lila continues, "You know, because there was always somebody in front of me. I grew stronger, because I looked up to both my mother and my sister. Standing in the center of a group changes you as a person.

An idol's body is always searching for the light. It tries to absorb the light. The longer that person remains the shadow. The brighter their radiance becomes. We soon become completely different people. Surpassing my mother means, surpassing the loneliness, pain and struggles she went through. When we are at the true top, we are bound to change in the process. Yumeko-chan, what about you would you take that risk?"

Risk huh.... Sometimes she feels like a hypocrite. Still,

"Honestly, I have never really thought about it. I've never really thought much of the future. Because I have always focused more on the present moment and the remains of the past."

"Of course you'd say that. You've never once really thought of yourself after all. But, once in awhile it's alright to be selfish. So Yumeko-chan, I want you to honestly tell me. What do you plan to do?"

Yumeko looked over at her, "What about you Lila-chan? What are your plans right now?"

What she plans to do huh? Lila had to admit that she hadn't thought it through very well. Even though she initially started this journey intending to win the Dream Stars Tournament, at some point her goal changed.

...

Lobby -

Lila knew Haruka had work in this place since he didn't leave after dropping her off. But, Lila didn't think she would see him so soon. His gaze seemed to brighten when he saw her, but Lila eyed him suspiciously. She saw his hands on Rikka's waist.

Haruka pulled back, "She felt faint."

"Ah-huh."

"Wife," Haruka said in a pleading tone.

At that comment Yumeko harshly interrupts.

"Haruka-kun! If you even think of cheating on Lila-chan again, I'll feed you to the sharks."

Haruka sighed, "Hey, why does Yumeko know about that?"

"Of course I do!! Mikami-kun told me."

"And pray I must ask who told Mikami?"

At that comment Lila looked away awkwardly. "But he asked."

"So the culprit is you my wife, I guess I'll punish you."

Punishment? What is Haruka going to do? Lila looked at him eagerly, and before she knew it - his lips were on hers. "Nnngh...."

She hears a slight chuckle escape from his mouth. 'Geez this moron, him and his stupid punishments.' It was only a light kiss, but it still left her feeling very embarrassed.

Lila glanced over and saw Yumeko covering Rikka-san's eyes. Her sweat fell, "Ah..uh."

"Few, safe. You didn't want to watch that. You two be more mindful!"

"It's fine," Rikka moved Yumeko's hands away, "I mean Haruka's always kissing other girls."

She must admit that response was the last one she expected. So Rikka-san just accepts that? No, she wouldn't. But, she probably doesn't handle it by bursting into tears. Haruka kissed her cheeks snapping her out of her thoughts. "Hey, something wrong?"

"No um," she glanced over at Yumeko. "Yumeko said she wanted to perform with me. Do I have some time?"

Haruka nodded, "Yeah, I'll fit it in. But Yumeko, don't drag Lila down."

Yumeko's eyes twitched in annoyance. "You know how much I've been practicing the last few months...and yet.."

"Yeah, I know. You've always worked hard, but you get depressed easily."

"D--don't say that out of the blue! Stupid," Yumeko exclaimed.