Dream Star

Lila recalled seeing Mikami in the library the other day, and a thought came to mind. What are the chances of RAY suddenly coming to Light Town for her? She glanced at Kouta's expression, and he noticed her looking, so he awkwardly looked away.

'Bingo, so she is right.' Lila doesn't know who told them to come here. However, she appreciates it. When she was in Light Town, it felt like she didn't have much time to pay attention to them since she was far too busy.

Even though she's worked with the mind-set to put smiles on her fan's faces this entire time, she's been uneasy about it this entire time. About whether or not people saw the real 'her.' This was the main reason why she debuted the way she did.

They have different sets of problems, the extent of how much it affects them too is different and yet... they can come to an understanding. Lila only has him and nobody else. But Haruka has many people beside him, contrary to what he may think. Without Haruka, she doesn't have anything. The closer he gets to his dream, the more she is faced with this reality.

Her uneasiness, fears, and worries. Whenever Lila is around Haruka, all of that stuff seems pointless. Everything fades away. Even though he understood full well what sort of person he is. Haruka still sticks by her side. It never made sense to her even back when they met again. Why did he insist on staying with her so much?

No matter how much Lila thought about it, nothing would come to mind. For the next few minutes, Kouta and her didn't say anything.

Even now, she can still remember it ever so clearly. If Lila closed her eyes, she could still see the image ever so clearly, even though so many years have passed. A young girl whom everyone feared and called disgusting, someone whom they called cursed and a monster.

An angelic voice saved that girl. It was a voice that transcended from the heavens.

For her, that much was enough to destroy any walls. She was supposed just to watch him from a distance; she didn't intend to get closer, and yet he drew her in. He shone so very brightly.

They say that one person's trash is another person's treasure. 'I'm the one who thinks your a treasure.'

The words Lila said to Haruka then, may have been regarded as words to merely comfort him. But it was something she thought of a long time ago, something that had always been on her mind.

A feeling that she always wished to convey to him. For a person like herself, who didn't have any confidence, who was shy and timid to the point that she found herself bullied.

A person like herself who could not fight her own battles. While she became an idol, intending to change, even then, she didn't stand out and had found herself despite being provided many opportunities, cowering and hiding in the background.

Lila didn't lie when she said she lost her memories. Because for a while, everything was very vague. But occasionally, she would remember. There were days where her body didn't feel like her own.

"Are you and Karashima doing well?" Kouta asked, breaking her thoughts.

"We are," Lila nodded. "There are many rumors about us, but those rumors are all lies. Haruka has changed; he treats me very well and treasures me more. Did you know," Lila laughed at the thought of it again? "..he isn't touching me because of a deal he made with my parents?"

Kouta looked surprised, "Huh? Is that real?"

"Yes, it's foolish, isn't it? After everything that has happened between us. But, I guess this is a better time than never. Haruka wants to treasure me properly now."

"The timing is lousy; he should have done this a long time ago."

Lila sighed, "I don't want you scolding me about him too. I do understand why everybody is concerned. But I wish they wouldn't give him this much of a hard time."

"Sorry, I didn't mean it that way just--" Kouta trailed off. He suddenly looked very troubled. "You know he's wanted to treat you like that since the start."

Lila looked at him, blankly, "The start?"

"Do you remember that time he found us in the library together?"

She nodded.

"After that, he called me and asked me if I liked you."

"You told him yes, right?"

At that comment, Kouta turned red, and Lila laughed. "I'm sorry, but you made it obvious."

"Damn, so I was making a fool out of myself?"

Lila shook her head, "No, you weren't. I appreciated it. Even though your kindness mainly came from the fact that you liked me. You didn't push me, nor did you ask for anything. Kouta-kun, you were fine with just being friends with me."

"Yeah, I'm content. Being friends is better than being a stranger. Besides, even I know an impossible battle. Since we're on this topic, give me a chance to say it." Kouta took a deep breath before he looked directly at her. His ocean colored orbs seemed brighter than usual. "I like you, Terashima Lila, I always have and I always will. But these feelings I don't expect you to return them. Standing by your side is enough."

Her gaze softened at his heartful confession. From the very start, this person has never demanded anything from her. "Thank you."

"If Karashima gives you a hard time, talk to me."

Lila laughed, "I always thought you were scared of him, though."

"I wasn't scared! But he is a senpai. I have to treat him with respect. Besides," Kouta trailed off. "It bothered me, how he acted towards Yumeko. I understood the situation very well. It was normal for him to blame her. Yet how could I stand by and watch my sister get hurt?"

"Contrary to your actions, you care a lot for Yumeko-chan."

"Well, that girl is special."

Lila nodded, "I have to agree with you there. She isn't the most skilled individual. However, she works very hard and never gives up on her dreams. For me, that's enough."

"Your qualities for a rival are very low. But, please keep taking good care of her."