48 Even If I've forgotten how to fly (2) (Edit)

Even though it was time for a break, and everyone was getting their lunches out or going down for lunch. Lila remained in the studio and stared at the score sheet in front of her. What's wrong with her? Why can't she sing? She's always loved to sing. No matter what her circumstances were, her voice never vanished. She could let her voice out. No matter what she could sing the deep emotions in her heart. But now, fear crept up on her. How come she can't now? Why is it so difficult for her?

She's the one who took up this challenge, so she should be the one to see it through to the end. With the way she is now, she will only continue bothering everyone. Why can't she sing? Her voice isn't coming out at all. No matter what she does...

Haruka stopped her from continuing, "Stop now."

"Haruka.." Lila wanted to protest and tell him she could still sing. But the words wouldn't leave her lips at all.

"Sit down here.

Lila slowly nodded and sat down where Haruka told her. "Close your eyes, sleep for a bit. Lunch break is long."

"Ah but--"

"Sleep. Your no use right now."

As harsh as those words are, she can't deny it. Even sleeping these days has become increasingly difficult. Her gaze landed on Haruka. He's so far, but he's not leaving. It's difficult to breathe, whenever she tries to sing. It's suffocating. She can't see her present destination now. She broke the rules and contacted Kiryu; she's already strayed from the path of her journey. Is that why she's feeling so very confused? It makes no sense to her.

As she closed her eyes, a memory of the past came to her.

....

------

March 2035 Universal S Academy Main Building Rooftop

She leaned forward and lightly kissed his lips, cheeks red with embarrassment, "I want to see a grand future with you."

"The future?" Kiryu repeated.

"A peaceful future. With no distinction of rank, blood. A place where everyone can be happy, but even I understand the existence of a conflict cannot disappear completely," Lila shyly plays with her fingers, "So, um, in that future...I want us two to be .in the center."

----

...Kiryu, the future she envisioned that would come forth after his journey has suddenly become so dark. The entire time, she has been singing with deep emotions whether or not it's love. And yet, she isn't able to sing this song. For the longest time, it has plagued her with an unbelievable amount of darkness. From the moment she was born, her mother seldom smiled, and even mother was with Ren-san something seemed amiss. However, that time they went to see father.

For the first time she saw her mother's smile, and for the first time caught more than a glimpse of the pain Ren-san bore. For the longest time, she is surrounded by problems and surrounded by the deepest darkness. Even then, she's never lost her voice like this.

She's never encountered a situation like this before. What is she supposed to do?

As her hands brushed against Haruka though, his thoughts leaked out to her.

...

----

January 2035 - Amusement Park Ferris Wheel-

"No matter how long it takes. I will wait for you. If by chance you get there when it's my birthday, I'll tell you the day - and then we can go another date."

"And if I don't come?" Lila challenged.

"I'll wait, no matter how long."

---

Her eyes widened. Oh. . . ? Though Lila often thought back to that promise too, she didn't think it would be the same for Haruka. How mysterious, she needs to learn more about this person.

Lila shifted closer, something Haruka noticed, "What?"

"Hand please."

". .. ."

Haruka gives it to her, and she immediately clutched it before closing her eyes. If something will change, she can't avoid it. But, she can't say for sure yet. It's so confusing.

___________________________________________________

8:00 PM, his apartment.

When Haruka arrived back at his apartment, he thought back to the events of the day and sighed deeply. Usually, he would have brought her back with him, but today he knew better than to try something like that. So he sent her off to the dorms.

Why can't she sing?

It's painful watching her like this.

Haruka tossed the mail to the corner only to hear a clattering sound.

What's that sound? He looked down and found a small parcel on the ground. Haruka picks up the package on the ground, seeing the return address. His eyes widen.

___________________________________________________

6th May 2035.

It was a mere coincidence he had work in the same building as her. He didn't even know it earlier; otherwise, he would have said something. His thoughts broke off as he overheard the conversation of the people passing by.

"Do you think we will be okay?"

"Maybe she needs a break, Karashima-san works her hard."

"Well yeah, but you must admit he's good at his job."

"Right, she should have known what she was getting into."

Although they mentioned no names, Kouta understood full well who they were talking about. Kouta looked at the time and was relieved to see that there was time to spare. So Kouta headed to the girl's location.

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

When he arrived at the designated room, sure enough, it was about Lila. Karashima was supervising her and sighing deeply every few seconds.

" --"

"Try again."

At Karashimas command, Lila started to sing, but her voice was unsteady. Kouta could barely hear it.

"Not right."

. .....

He thought, no he's sure everyone noticed it. But Lilas singing is slightly different now. Different from when she was singing with her real identity and now. Something has changed. He probably shouldn't interfere too much. His job is only to watch over her. But, he can't watch her suffer like this.

"Kanehara," Haruka greeted. It was rare for Kanehera to greet him, so Kouta knew the situation was severe.

"Karashima-san, could you leave for a moment?" Kouta asked.

"Huh?"

"Wait outside. You don't have to leave; just make it seem like you are."

The staff seem puzzled and wanted to stop him. After all, it's unheard of for the producer to leave. Kouta wanted to try something. He could be mistaken. But to his surprise, Karashima nodded, "All right."

"Haruka-san."

"Leave the door slightly open. Don't make it obvious."

Once Karashima-san left, he took a deep breath and tapped one of the staff's shoulder. The one in charge of the mic, he seemed puzzled but nodded, and he stood in front of it. "Fly. Don't hold back; show everyone what you can do."

It was just a few words, but he noticed that she reacted. He turned to the staff and told them to record.

"I kept a facade up against this pain I was unaware of.

This heart that I held on has always been hurting.

Your gentle gaze undid my wounds like an invisible hand.."

___________________________________________________

Haruka heard the girls voice from outside the door and his gaze dimmed. So, that's it. She can't sing in front of him. Well, he supposed it's only natural after what happened. Initially, she showed such signs before. But she seemed to have gotten over it.

To his surprise though, the door opens slightly, and Lila happily hugged him, "Haruka, look! I sang!"

"...."

She probably didn't realize what she was doing. Since after his gaze meets hers, she looked away.

He cautiously extends his hand out and flicks her forehead, "You did well."

"R—right...thank you Haruka." Lila stammered.

Does she realize she's still using his first name?

"I did nothing. We should try it several more times, can you do it again?"

"Ah yes!"