Just be Yourself (9) (Edit)

Yumeko allowed her to leave right after, even though she should have definitely stopped her if she said something, anything. A warning about Karashima Haruka than perhaps Ari-chan would be more cautious and yet she didn't. The stage they shared today more than proved why the girl is so strong. Her feelings of love, especially that type of love is so very powerful.

If Ari-chan really loves Haruka, she can't stop her. For Haruka who's gradually showing change since Ari-chan got here. And Ari-chan who genuinely loves him. She can't do anything. She doesn't have the right to do anything in the first place.

Yumeko's gaze landed on the board. It wasn't just her imagination; it changed. But the song quickly started, so she didn't get a chance to look properly. Was it real? What did she see?

She took out her phone and flicked to one of the videos and played an old file.

The blondes clothing changed into a dress composed of a pearl blue blouse with fabric cut out on each arm lined by pearls, and a white cuff covered in stars of two sizes. Pink fabric covers the torso, sewn together with a white ribbon, while two strands of beads reside on each side of the chest. At the neck is a colorful, glittering bow-tie adorned by three stars, two of which adorn the tails. Pink fabric resides beneath this, along with white and gold wings. Sewn-on each hip is a matching bow, with folded tails behind the skirt tipped by stars.

The skirt is a colorful gradient with sparkles and a blue, pearl pink, and purple castle display, accented by clouds and rainbows, along with gold chains decorated with sun-shaped charms. The bottom of the skirt is lined with two pieces of fabric while covering is a two-layered peplum trim with pleats accent by white lining and pale pink and blue pearl chains. The user gains white gloves with a blue line going down the sides and pale blue stars sewn to the cuff. Behind the user is a large, pale blue clock-like shape with the hands tipped by a winged sun.

...

It certainly happened.

It happened live, and yet, she hasn't been able to wear it since. After her visit with Lila-chan, she understood exactly why. It's because the present her still lacks something. She's always wanted it. To leave her mark, existence on this earth.

Once she saw Terashima Lila's live performance, Yumeko felt as though she finally found exactly what sort of mark she wanted to leave and yet. Like this, it's still no good. With the way she is now, she won't be able to move anyone's hearts.

No, that's not it. Today's stage, she certainly felt it. The same thing from a year ago. From back then. The voice she thought she lost.

Lila-chan, wait for her. Wait for her. She will find Lila-chan. Now that she has found her voice again.

___________________________________________________

Apartment, 6:00PM

Haruka was busy smoking several brands of cigarettes; he had no particular reason. But he wanted to keep himself occupied, and he was getting sick of drinking alcohol. When Haruka noticed movement from the door, "Ari," he did not need to see her to know it was her. Only she has the keys to this room after all.

The girl opened the door slightly and peeked inside, for the next few minutes she said nothing. Eventually, she spoke up, "Um, can I go over there?" Ari asked.

Does she want to come here? Can't she see what has happened in this room? However he noticed her gaze still fixed on him, and he tells her to go over. Haruka grabbed hold of her wrist, "You looked beautiful on stage," he complimented and nodded.

"Ah, you were watching."

"Yeah."

The girl's face was filled with sudden happiness. Why, why is she like this? Why does she keep coming back to him? He doesn't understand. His lips fall on hers, and he started to kiss her.

"Nnnngh.…."

He wants this girl to become his officially.

Even if he keeps touching her, soon she will leave him behind again. Soon she will no longer be here. He has to do something, to keep this girl by his side.

Haruka kissed her hair slowly, "Do you want to go somewhere with me?"

"Ah? Um...somewhere?" Lila said puzzled.

"A date…" he murmured against her ear.

Lila shook her head, "I—'m fine…"

Well, that backfired. Haruka shook his head; he shouldn't be disappointed. Just her coming here makes him very happy.

"Um, instead I have a favor to ask.."

"Sure."

"I want to um stay here for a while…" Lila asked.

Haruka raised his eyebrows at the girl's request, "Here?" he repeated. In his place? He doesn't mind since she's stayed over frequently before. However, that was before he touched her. Is it okay? Seeing her red cheeks and yet determined gaze. Haruka slowly nodded.

It's not like he can refuse, anyway. "T-then, I'll go back to the dorms and get my stuff," Lila replied meekly. She seemed more nervous and maybe even afraid. Going back to the dorms hmm? Now Haruka has seen her; he quickly realized that he doesn't want to let her go.

"I'll send someone to fetch your belongings."

"Haruka.."

He doesn't want her leaving him right now.

"Okay." she snuggled up to him, and he blinked…Lately, she does this a lot. He understands that there's no hidden meaning to it, but still...

"I want to get to know you better…" Haruka murmured.

After racking his head, this is the only thing he can come up with. At that the girl's eyes light up, cheeks flush she looked up with a beaming smile, "Okay! Then, um ask me questions!"

Questions, "What's your favorite color?" Haruka asked. He regrets his choice a second later. Is he stupid? What is he doing asking her that for?

"I'm leaning more towards blue lately," Lila replied. Haruka stared at her in amazement, and she's actually answering. How surprising. Seeing the girls tender gaze, he paused in mid-thought. Well, it's not like he minds this.