Dream Star

Haruka exhaled deeply as he questioned his actions. What is he doing? His gaze fell on the girl who had fallen asleep. He woke up just moments ago, and it startled him to find that Lila wrapped her arms around him, protectively. He's not a kid.

"Nnghh…"

She's breaking out into a sweat, is she having a nightmare? Hesitantly, Haruka pulled the girl closer to him, until the girl rested on his b.a.r.e c.h.e.s.t. To his surprise, her breathing calmed down, and she was no longer sweating. Perhaps, there is something he can do for her. Maybe it isn't completely hopeless. For the two of them to be together.

.........................

TV A Dreams Studio

He wanted nothing more than to push her against the wall, corner her again and kiss her lips so passionately, so it would eventually lead to s.e.x. However, even he understood the meaning of self-restraint. With the way things are now, she'll spend more time avoiding him than falling for him. He must maintain a good pace. His gaze darted toward the girl who had pushed the elevator button.

As they waited patiently, he heard her humming a melody. Even when she's humming, it's clear she's good. A good pace, huh? For romance, he can do that. But, with her career. He doesn't want to waste any time. The more exposure she gets, the more people will figure out it's her. That's fine; he wants it to shock them all. He wants them to take it all back, the words they said about her.

His thoughts broke off seeing her shiver, and he took his jacket off and wrapped it around her.

Lila laughed softly, "Thank you."

"..…"

"Are you catching a cold?" Haruka asked, "I scheduled loads of mini-lives for you. Maybe I ought to cancel them?"

"It's fine. I'm just not used to singing so much."

Really? She used to sing a lot back then. But then again, it wasn't for work purposes.

"You'll be OFF when your birthday comes around, so hold on for a bit longer."

"My birthday…" Lila mumbled.

"What's the matter?"

Lila shook her head. Odd.

But, it's almost time. He should buy Lila a gift.

___________________________________________________

France

After pondering about it all morning, Kasumi picked up her phone and called Wataru. One ring, two rings. No answer. Maybe he's busy? As Kasumi thought that she heard the sound of a click. Ah.

"Wat-"her sentence falls short, as she heard Wataru call out 'Hamano.' Ah.

"What?"

Mikami's voice.

"Shouldn't you rest?"

"Hah, that's a strange comment from you."

"Making sure your body is well rested, is also something a professional should do."

"Are you lecturing me? Who do you think you are?"

. . . . .

Mikami, she wanted to; say something. She wants to say something, anything. If she spoke up now, then he would surely hear her. But, she has no right to talk to him, especially after breaking his trust. He told her he loved her for real, and they cleared all the misunderstandings of the past up. They even made a formal announcement, and yet she —

She's weak.

Lila.

She's afraid. Afraid, that she really will lose Mikami with this incidence.

!!!

So that's how it is.

If that's the case, Lila, she can only rely on her. Kasumi doesn't want to push another burden onto her friend, however shes so weak. But, if it's Lila. Mikami will be just fine. He's her most beloved person even now, so, please look after him.

_________________________________________________

TV A Dream Studio

"My Kiryu! Are you cheating?" Lila questioned him.

"Uh, it's not like that."

But he was acting shady. Kiryu must have understood her sudden silence since he quickly explained the situation.

… A girl?!!!

A girl.

So Kiryu's new assistant is a girl.

Before Lila could inquire anymore, she heard a sweet feminine voice call out to Kiryu.

"Kiryu-san, the shower is free now. I'm sorry for taking a long time."

"It's fine; you've been working hard. Here, uses this towel."

"T—thank you."

Hearing a rustling sound, she pouted. Is he drying her hair?! Wah, that's her privilege. Kiryu, drying another girl's hair, she doesn't like the thought of that. Before she knew it, she burst into tears. "Wahhhhhhhhh."

"Hey, Lila..." Kiryu said.

"Your girlfriend?"

"Yeah."

"I—'m so sorry! I ended up tripping over and falling. So Kiryu-san was kind enough to let me use the bath. I'll leave immediately."

Hearing the girl's respond, Lila stopped crying and looked at the screen. Ginger hair. Innocent looking eyes. She doesn't look like a bad person, and from her response. It doesn't seem like she's interested in Kiryu.

It took a while before she came up with a response, "You can stay. Thank you for taking care of Kiryu! While you can't become close, you can be friends."

"Y—yes."

She must have passed the phone to Kiryu since she heard the sound of a door closing.

"Pfft. You always say such cute things. Mm, so? Why did you call me?"

"Kiryu, do I need a reason to call you? "

"Calm down; you're still jealous."

How can she not be? She didn't know such a pretty, and even worst nice girl became Kiryu's assistant. If it were someone like Rosalia-senpai and the usual girls, she wouldn't have to worry. But this girl type resembles the person she was before. What if Kiryu fall for her?

"So, I've been thinking Lila. Do we go to a hotel or my apartment? The second is a bit risky since I have people guarding me..."

Wh—what? Wha?

He chuckled at her reaction. "Well, we're having your birthday meal where there are no prying eyes."

"Um, my Kiryu. Your intentions are obvious."

"Hmm, they are? ,"

She shyly played with her hair and looked down. She's a bit embarrassed. She's not the only one who's gone through slight changes appearance wise.

Kiryu too, he is more handsome now. She knew that based on his recent TV appearances and pictures he sends her. So whenever implied perverted things it leads to her feeling embarrassed.

it leads to her becoming even more embarrassed.

"And?"

"I—I will write a song for Hamano-kun, but, it's hard to get to know him without bringing up Kasumi," she said.

Especially now.

When she heard the news about Kasumi having a boyfriend, Lila, knew immediately that something must have happened.

"It's true it's difficult, but it isn't impossible. Are you not confident?"

"My confidence levels are low when you're not around."

"I see."

"Also, my Kiryu. I miss you."

"I know. Just hold on for two more days, we will see each other soon. Do you want some advice my Lila?"

Kiryu's advice! But, does she deserve it? When had her singing become like this? Lila shook her head, right now, she should focus on finishing Hamano-kun's song.

.........

He seemed a lot calmer now than before. Is it because of his new female assistant? No, no, don't think about it. It's a good thing Kiryu isn't lonely. From, what Wataru told her.

📞 Incoming call: Austin Kiryu.

!! From her Kiryu?!!

Lila quickly answered it. "Ah—um!"

"Lila, I miss you."

Ah.

She was just imagining things. Kiryu still missed her.

"Kiryu-san, why are you on the phone? Go up in 5." Selia called out. Hearing the girls voice, Lila paused, the two must always be together. The thought bothered her.

"In a sec. Lila still there?"

"Ah-huh. Um, is something wrong Kiryu?"

"Your hair is very cute. I can't wait to see you. Also, make sure you wrap up. It's still chilly at night. Weren't you wearing a short sleeve dress in the recent music show? At least compromise with a half sleeve..."

Wahhh, he said so many cheesy things in one go. Her heart was beating so fast the whole time, so she didn't have the opportunity to say anything. But, ' I love you, Lila. Do your best.' It suddenly feels like she has the strength to do anything.