Dream Star

"So you're the stalking type senpai."

Haruka exhaled deeply, and Mikami chuckled at his reaction, "Likewise, I'm the same."

Haruka responded bitterly, "We are the same? Don't make me laugh."

Mikami shook his head. Senpai, really knows nothing, does he? Can't he see? Lila-chan is falling for him, less than a month has passed since she came here, and already something is changing. However, he's not obliged to explain to senpai. He picked up the bottle of liquor and poured himself a drink. "And so? I must ask why are you spying?"

"I wondered where she went. That's all."

If that's all, then why are you still here? Senpai isn't a superb liar. Mikami walked over, glass in hand to join senpai at the railing. His gaze fell on Kasumi only for a moment before it landed on Lila.

"That girl is fascinating. I wasn't sure why my father was so insistent I meet her. But now I understand. She's not like all the others. Her honesty is somewhat refreshing, and yet she isn't as naïve as one may think."Mikami said as he recalled the conversation he had with the girl.

Haruka looked over at him, and he asked, "Did she say something?"

"I wonder."

Haruka glared at him, and Mikami chuckled. "But I have to ask. When do you plan on telling her? That you already know? You can't get in a relationship with her, under her disguise as Kiku Ari. When she knows you're in love with Terashima Lila."

At that comment, Haruka runs his hand through his hair, and exhaled deeply, "I'm working on it, I don't think it's something I can just say, given the circ.u.mstances."

"True, she seems insistent on wanting to hide it."

"That girl seems to be under the impression that there's something wrong with her singing now. That her abilities have gone stale, but…"

Mikami finished it off for him, "..but she's gotten a lot better, right?"

Haruka paused before nodding. "Yeah, with her abilities now she will easily pass the auditions. No, she can easily qualify for the finals now."

"And yet?"

Haruka frowned, "It's not because of Austin Kiryu."

Mikami mentally facepalmed. Of course, it isn't. Does senpai not know why Lila singing is a lot better? Doesn't he know that she's singing for him? Ah, geez. If it weren't for the promise he made with Kasumi, he would help senpai out. After all, he owed this guy a lot. A few subtle hints ought to be okay. Besides just like Kasumi, he's found something he wants to protect too.

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The time left after their morning jog was short after making breakfast. Training for a while longer, it was eventually time for Kasumi to go. Lila clung on to her friend, reluctant to let her leave. Kasumi too seemed conflicted until Hamano-kun clasped his hands and reminded the two of them. She gets it she does. But, but… Kasumi slips a piece of paper in her hand.

"This?" Lila said.

"My work phone isn't monitored. Message me often."

The tears she held back came falling after Kasumi said those words, "Uwaahhh. Uwaahhhhhh wahhhh.." she wailed loudly.

"Don't cry."

"Kasumi, your crying too."

There were equally as many tears in Kasumi's eyes, and the girl hugged her. Lila hugged her back. She doesn't, doesn't want to be apart from Kasumi anymore. But, in the first place. The two of them weren't supposed to see each other again so soon. She can't keep being selfish.

"Something is wrong with Karashima. You should check it out."

!! Lila managed a nod.

"Also, Mikami is in your hands."

Her gaze softened.

"En, I get it. Stay safe Kasumi. Yosh, I'll give you a present."

Before Kasumi could ask her, Lila pushed her friend into Mikami's arms.

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While he was on the phone, he was keeping an eye on the two. Just in case, it's not like Kasumi would have snuck off with Lila-chan. But even so... Seeing what Lila-chan did, Mikami immediately dropped his phone and rushes over to catches Kasumi.

It surprised him when he caught her how light she felt. He's held her so many times and yet, he didn't realize how light she was. Didn't she lose weight? Has she been eating? He left the two alone last night, but now he regretted it slightly. Even if it is just a second longer, he wanted to be with her.

"Okay! See you. Senpai, senpai, let's go to work."

"We will kiss a lot in the car, "Haruka grunted.

At that comment, her friend wanted to run back to her. But Karashima was already pulling her away. Kasumi sweatdropped. Uh, should she stop them? Kasumi glimpsed Karashima's expression; her eyes widened Oh. That's surprising. She thought Karashima only wanted to fool around with Lila, but perhaps.

"Kasumi-chan."

Her thoughts broke off, hearing Mikami call her name.

Kasumi quickly moved away from Mikami. Cheeks flushed. "..."

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"Today, we probably won't be able to meet."

"I know." Kasumi murmured.

"Mikami?"

If he lets her go, she'll be going to another man's side. He doesn't want that. The identity of Kasumi's boyfriend, he wanted to ask her. If he's a good person, maybe it would be best for him to end things with her. She deserved someone good after all. But, recalling what she said to him before. Mikami shook his head. That would do no good.

His thoughts broke off when he felt her lips pressed on his.

"M—Mikami, don't be sad. I'll call you on my breaks."

. . . .

. . Will she really? Will she keep thinking about him, even when they are apart from each other? He felt uneasy. But, he wanted to believe in the warmth he received from her. He kissed her one last time before Mikami hesitantly lets her leave and watched as the light of the portal vanishes.

…..

When he parted ways with Kasumi and went back inside and fetched his belongings. He noticed beside his backpack was a familiar notebook. A pale blue sticky note attached.

😊 This is for you.

. . The two of them have barely had a conversation about it and yet Lila already, good grief that girl. He supposed it was time to stop holding back. Its time to show everyone, his radiance.

........

S Concert Hall (Stage)

A board decorated with his brand symbols, a tie and glasses appeared in the background.

His name in bold letters, a wine glass symbol beside his name.

- HAMANO MIKAMI -

There are feelings he can only tell Kasumi.

Things he can only show her.

The reason why he came this far, the reason why he became an idol. It's all for you. To be able to stand in the same place together.