25 My Radiance (11)

Kiryu's Apartment in D town (11:30PM)

It already surprised Kasumi to see Karashima Haruka, outside the place that belongs to Kiryu. But, she wasn't expecting to find her best friend, after dinner - cornered against the kitchen desktop. Kasumi eyes widened seeing the sight before her. She figured it was like this, but. .seeing it in person; she's unsure of what to do.

"Ss—senpai, n—not now."Lila stammered.

"Why? Because your friend came? That makes me feel bad."

"Don't feel bad!!"

"Then, cheer me up."

"By kissing?"

Karashima nodded, and she watched as Lila extend her hand out.

Lila, she's way too naïve !!

"That looks nice huh, Kasumi-chan!"

She elbowed him, causing him to let go.

"I'm kidding. Hey, senpai. Ari-chan, let's discuss the sleeping arrangements."

Mikami called out.

Her best friend immediately left Karashima Haruka's side and hid behind her. It was the usual scene. But, this was for Karashima. So, she felt slightly uncomfortable.

"Why, do we have to discuss? She's staying with me."

"N—No!! I—'m staying with Kasumi."

"Hah? After that?!!"

"T—that's why stupid."

Kasumi's sweat dropped, as she watched the scene. Unsure of what to do. Their arguing? Lila clung to her.

"Kasumi, Kasumi. Let's chat loads!"

Her gaze softened, "That's right; lets."

. . . .

Lila was very insistent on staying in the same room as her. At first, she thought it was because Lila didn't want to be alone with Karashima, but - she watched the girl take out the Kiryu plushie. Slip-on Kiryu's jumper. Seeing the girl surround herself with Kiryu's belongings and gifts. Kasumi sweatdropped, uh. Does she do this every night since she left?

"Kasumi, Kasumi! Look, look, you know before I left. Kiryu made me this snow globe."

"He made it? That's amazing."

"En, my Kiryu is amazing! Also, you know my Kiryu said--"

Lila hasn't changed. She worried for nothing it seems. It's not like Karashima Haruka can enter her heart that easily. After all, what Lila and Kiryu have is a love of 13 years. The same as her and Mikami. The two of them eventually laid down on the sleeping bag.

She took some time to convince Lila to lay down. Hearing shuffling, Kasumi opened the quilt, and the girl's blue orbs sparkled.

"Yay, next to Kasumi," Lila said happily.

"You'll be meeting Kiryu soon, so you better eat properly, or you'll make him worried."

"Ah-huh, Kasumi. Do you think Kiryu still loves me?"

"Of course, he does."

When she asked where that idea came from, Lila informs her about Kiryu's new assistant. Hearing it was a girl, her face color turned pale. But seeing Lila worried, Kasumi nodded, changing her expression to indifference.

"And? so what?"

"But Kasumi, it's a girl. A girl."

"It changes nothing. Kiryu loves you; he will never replace you."

"Aha, okay! I believe you Kasumi."

But still… she should check up on this matter.

___________________________________________________

Kasumi and Hamano-Kun's feelings, she thinks she understands it now. Lila silently got up and made her way to the room next door, as she takes a seat on the window ledge and picks up where she left off. Her guitar, and composition materials in front of her.

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

Next morning, at 5:00 am.

Lila came across Kasumi during her morning jog. The two of them said nothing and kept running. Lila may have gradually fallen back into her morning jogging routine. However, she hasn't felt at peace while jogging in a long time. Her heart and mind have been restless since arriving here. She can hear it again, the sound of the wind — the natural rhythm of nature.

She doesn't know how long they were running. But the two of them ran until they were completely out of breath; eventually, they came to a stop and collapsed on the grass.

"Your stamina...is still as crazy as ever…"Kasumi said exhaustion filled her voice.

Before Lila could respond though, she burst into a fit of coughs. Thankfully, there was no blood coming out.

That, however, didn't change Kasumi's worried tone, "Lila?!!"

Lila laughed softly, "I'm okay, just hasn't happened in a while.."

Kasumi though wasn't buying it and frowned. "Is it, really that bad?"

Lila slowly nodded.

"Lila…"

"But, it's getting better. Being with everyone here helps me a lot."Lila replied with a smile. During her isolation, she was on the verge of giving up. "I haven't spent a lot of time with them yet, but I can tell they care for me. So I'll be okay."

Honestly, she's shocked. That everyone treats her so well; despite the countless times she's had to bail on them because of Haruka. They are kind people and even though she composed songs, gave them mediocre sounding advice. They all listened and lead to them brightly on stage.

Kasumi is quiet for a few minutes before she said, "I'll still worry about you."

Seeing her friends tears, Lila laughed softly, "Kasumi, you're crying."

"Because of you. You're so stupid and careless. I told you to contact me!"

"But the rules…"

"If you can contact Wataru, contact me too."

Oh, so she found out about that. Lila's gaze softened, "En, I know. Sorry."

"Lila, did you hear about my announcement?"

"Ah, yes! They said you'd return properly and announce some big news…"Lila recalled the conversation she had with Mikami, and grabbed her friend's hands, "About your boyfriend?"

Kasumi shook her head, and Lila sighed in relief. Kasumi has probably explained it to Mikami already as she did with her last night. But, they can easily misunderstand it. Kasumi whispered in her ear and Lila's eyes widened.

"Wahhh?!!" Lila exclaimed.

"Sssh, don't say it out loud."

"Right!."

But, to think Kasumi found… Lila is a bit surprised.

"I—I don't want you to misunderstand though. My dream is still…"Kasumi responded nervously.

Oh!

"Kasumi, are you a mind reader?!"

Her friend simply hugged her, "I am serious Lila. About what I said last year. That person too understands that's why I want you to..do the same. Find that girl, and let's meet again on stage."

Find, Lila knew instinctively who Kasumi meant, "Didn't she say it? She would come here. But, you haven't seen her yet correct?"

Lila slowly nodded.

"Lila, there's a lot I want to talk to you about.."

"Kasumi?"

Kasumi laughed, "But, we don't have any time. That's why I'll say this much. Even now my goal is the brightest star. It's you, Lila."

The brightest star?

"But I--"Lila was about to protest; however, Kasumi shook her head.

"Your performance is different now, yes. But, it's still exactly like you. Even now in my eyes your so radiant."

Lila's eyes widened at her friend's words.

"I can be confident?" Lila drawled.

"Yes, you can!"