Meeting Ahoji Kumi

"The irony that Lila was jealous of Emma. It was the same for me," Kasumi turned to her. "I was jealous of you kanehera-san."

Yumeko's eyes widened when she heard those words. "That is impossible!"

Why would Kasumi-san be jealous of her?

Kasumi laughed. "Is it that hard to believe?"

"Unlike me your beautiful, smart, you can sing and dance very well. We live in two completely different worlds."

"Those things sound very superficial."

"Uh sorry." Yumeko apologised.

"No, I think I understand." Kasumi shakes her head. "But you should hear me out. The second reason Lila went to Light town was because of you. You know this much yes?"

"I heard about it, but I didn't understand the reason why."

They only briefly met when she went with Mikami to Star town, and spent a short amount of time together. Sure they made that promise to perform together again, but that was mainly because of her. It was a one sided promise, at least that was what she thought.

"Lila was very interested in you as an idol. It was the first time for me seeing her that way. No matter how many strong opponents she faced before she did not flinch or express that much interest. It was different with you. I was fine with that, it just meant I had to work harder. However, when she went over to Light town and you started to get along. I felt slightly bitter. I want to be by Lila's side too."

"Kasumi-san."

Yumeko did not know what to say other than the girl's name, she did not think it would be this way.

"When Lila returned to Star town, I felt even more envious. I realized that you understood her far better than I did. Just now you mentioned how bothered she was with my behaviour. With Lila's personality she wouldn't have told you that, so you must have learned it on your own. Somebody who can understand Lila like that other than Kiryu and even Karashima Haruka, is someone special."

"But I--"

"I wish you had more confidence in yourself. It was the reason why I treated you coldly before. Lila truly likes you a lot, no Lila and Mikami." Kasumi whispered the last one quietly.

"Kasumi-san, please do not misunderstand that part. I know there were loads of rumours about us two. But I only ever saw Mikami as a friend."

Kasumi's gaze softened. "You do not have to worry, I could understand just from watching him. That guy has always had feelings for me, but he hesitated and faltered a lot. Did you two start getting along because you could relate to each other?"

Yumeko flinched at those words and Kasumi laughed. "I am right?"

"Wanting somebody, desiring somebody who is right by your side. Who probably feels the same way- yes I could relate to him well."

It was the same feelings she had towards that person, towards her ex Atsuya. No, Tsueno Huan. On the day Lila-chan and Haruka went to New York, she learned the truth.

She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

It was enough for him to be alive and well, but he apparently took on another identity as Lila-chan's friend. No wonder his image overlapped with Atsuya's so many times. She thought it was just a coincidence.

There is that saying after all that their are two people in the world born with the same face. So she simply thought it was that. But it was not just their appearance but their personality too. Sometimes he would slip up and say things about her that she only ever told Atsuya, things only Atsuya would know about her.

The signs were all there and yet she ignored it.

"Mikami and I got along because of that. I treasure him as a good friend."

"Yes I understand, thank you for taking care of them both. I think both Lila and Mikami changed for the better after they met you. Lila would never have continued with that tournament if it wasn't for you, and Mikami would never have gone to see me and admitted his feelings. That is why Kanehera-san you should find your own happiness."

At those words Atsuya - no Huan's image appeared in her head.

On the day Lila-chan and Haruka went to New York the world fell apart. She could clearly recall his expression when he saved her. It was the same as back then too.

But that person already has someone new, he has already moved on from her. At least she thought so, and yet the memory of him hugging her when he resumed another identity remained firm in her mind.

Perhaps there is still something there, but unfortunately the current her cannot accept it.

"He already has somebody else."

"It seems you're not up to date with the news. Although those two looked like a good couple they had many internal conflicts." Kasumi paused. "But I should not be the one telling you this."

Yumeko blinked when she heard those words. Internal conflicts? Before she could say anything else, the doors opened revealing her friend Ruka.

"Iwa-san, Yumeko you have to come outside!"

Huh?

….

When she saw Ruka's frantic expression, she wondered if somebody got infected again and maybe on the verge of death. But it was not like that at all. At the entrance of the dome, where the others had gathered was a woman with pale platinum blonde coloured hair wearing a green coat with white fur on it.

Yumeko felt her heartbeat increase, she knew who this woman was.

The moment she learned that Atsuya was truly Tsueno Huan, this woman came to mind.

"Kumi-senpai!" Kasumi exclaimed, surprised.

Right, this woman Ahoji Kumi is Huan's fiance.

"Ah Kasumi-chan, I finally found you."

"Kumi-senpai, how on earth did you get here?"

"Mmm, mother did something and before I knew it I was wandering between dimensions."

"Your acting so nonchalant." Kasumi sighed deeply. "Come this way."

Yumeko could only stand their frozen as she watched Kasumi-san lead the blonde haired woman away. She did not expect to see this person here off all places. Although it is investable, they would eventually have to meet. But why after having that conversation?

Her thoughts broke off when somebody tapped her shoulder. It was Maika.

"We will be there with you."

Her gaze softened at those words. Right, she is no longer alone anymore. Yumeko summoned her courage and followed after the two alongside Ruka and Maika.

The moment she closed the doors behind them, Yumeko hears a thud sound. Shoji Kumi had lost her balance and Kasumi was steadying her.

"I knew it! You have a fever right? What were you thinking!"

"I am alright. I had to come here, or rather I'm probably the only other one who can, as that person's child."

Kasumi brought the woman to the sofa and that was when Kumi glanced over at her with a tender gaze in her eyes.

"Kanehera Yumeko-chan?"

*Unedited*