Like a ribbon

Her thoughts broke off when Kouta placed a small box in front of her.

"What's this?"

"I went back home the other day for a bit, and I found this in Yumeko's room. It seems like it's for you."

Lila slowly opened the small box and found a simple red ribbon attached to a silver bangle. Lila felt the tears fall from her eyes despite how simple it was.

She knew what it meant right away. It was a symbol of the promise they made to stand on stage together.

"Yumeko isn't as talented as you as an idol; her singing and dancing are very average. But I always saw you two as being similar. Your dreams, both of you, are overflowing with dreams and hope. During tournaments, people who have loads of dreams tend to have a critical weak point. But you and Yumeko overcame that and continued to advance further in the tournament. Hey, when you told her you wanted to perform together on stage back when you first met. What did you intend?"

"It's because I saw how brightly she shined when we sang together. I saw how much she admired me, and it reminded me of my admiration towards my mother and my sister. I wanted her to continue walking forward until she reached me."

'And in order for that to happen, I had to continue walking forward to remain your guiding light-' She recalled the words mother told her when she returned.

Lila thought she would continue with retirement, but instead, she returned to singing.

"Idols are strange, you know? They are unlike regular members of the entertainment industry. They have many flaws but can still debut. Their purpose is mainly to put a smile on people's faces; they act as icons. But I thought it was wonderful, being able to make people happy. After I entered the industry, I realized it wasn't that simple. It's not easy."

Soichiro scoffed at that comment.

"I was protected safely so I could focus on singing, but many people didn't have that same opportunity. If it's with Yumeko, I thought I could finally move forward. I will never forget the courage, inspiration, and hope I received from her. No, from you and everybody else too. I have come a long way since then and want to turn everything I received into strength." Her gaze softened. "I hope when all of this ends, we can conclude this on the stage of dreams again."

"You certainly will," Kouta said with a smile.

'I want to connect all those bright lights, those stars just like a ribbon.'

It was one of the last conversations she had with Yumeko-chan. To think she remembered that.

Perhaps it was due to the atmosphere, but she drank a lot of alcohol. She didn't remember how she got onto Soichiro's back or when Kouta-kun left.

"You're a bad drunk; why did you drink so much?"

"I was caught up in the flow!" Lila exclaimed.

"Tsk, your such an annoying woman." Soichiro scolded her. "Your even lighter than before. Are you sure your eating?"

"Of course! I can't be skin and bones; otherwise, how will Haruka hold me?"

Lila felt the temperature in the hallway drop, and her sweat fell. Maybe she shouldn't tease him too much.

"Hey Soichiro, do you really not like Yori?"

Yori liked Soichiro a lot, even though she never said it.

"This is why you're so stupid. You already know I like you."

"It's weird, though; you don't know anything about romance."

"That just means you have to teach me."

"Too much work. I'd rather jump off a bridge."

Teaching this guy romance? Forget it; she would rather jump off a bridge.

"I should drop you."

But he won't do that.

It did not take long before Soichiro stopped in front of a door.

"This isn't my office."

Soichiro kicked the door open, and she stepped into the dim-looking room. "Doesn't it seem like ghosts will appear here?"

"Hah, what ghost? This is my room."

Her sweat fell. He just arrived today, and he already made himself at home? Sure enough, when she looked around the room, she saw traces of his belongings.

Soichiro placed her down on the bed. "Sleep here tonight."

Uh sleep here?

"That wouldn't be appropriate."

What if strange rumors start? It took her a very long time to clarify the rumors between Soichiro and her. Many people found it strange how she safely climbed up the ladder in the entertainment industry.

Most artists have to undergo more hardships, but she didn't face any of those due to Soichiro's protection. She did not have to deal with the dirty dealings of the Entertainment industry.

She could just focus on singing and singing alone is no doubt due to this man. Lila took out Yumeko's gift and put it on her arm. She extended her hand out towards the ceiling.

She wonders when all of this will end. Although it would be difficult to continue the tournament, Lila still hoped they would do so. She wants to sing in the finals with Yumeko. She wants to keep that promise.

Although some promises cannot be kept, at the very least, she wants to keep this one. Her thoughts broke off when Soichiro grabbed hold of her hand.

"Are you thinking of that girl?"

"Don't call her that girl. She has a name."

"I know. I spoke to her before."

Lila blinked, and she looked at him, startled. "Y-you spoke to Yumeko?"

"I did."

'That is just plain weird and hard to imagine! What could this psycho possibly talk about with Yumeko?'

"Hey," Soichiro said sharply. "Are you insulting me in your head again?"

Uh, why does he know her so well? It's so unfair! Lila sighed. "You didn't scare her, did you?"

"Contrary to what you think, she scared me."

"Huh?"

"I didn't think she had it in her to shout at me when she was quivering like a rabbit last time I saw her. But she did; she marched into my office and yelled at me. It was around the time when Zane leaked the company's rumors, and it was damaging your image. She came to me and said, 'I don't know what your planning, and frankly speaking, I do not care. But please do not drag Ari-chan into this. No, please do not drag Lila-chan into this.'"

"Ah, she already knew then?"

"Little rabbit actually seems to be smart despite her appearance. When I asked her why she told me, 'You don't know despite being with her all this time? How important her dreams are to her? Lila-chan's dreams are not as simple as you think. For the longest time, others thought she was only following under her mother and sister's shadow. But it wasn't like that at all. One day she will stand at the very top, as the brightest first star, and meet all sorts of idols.

She will work together with them and improve each other, shine together and make our hearts one. Then the future generation will follow in her steps and do the same thing. The idol scene will continue to evolve.'"

Lila's eyes widened when she heard those words. Yumeko, she truly is foolish. But, those strong sentiments. 'I won't let it go to waste.'