Music of dream

MUSIC OF DREAM

"Ah... The things I love and the things I hate

They're all a part of the real me

From the day I first passed the start line

Even now, I still see the same dream

I run, chasing after the sun that's started to tilt

I can't hold back these feelings within my heart

Trembling with admiration, a "sound" is born."

She wonders how long it has been.

Since when, when did she become everyone's hope? She's very slow and oblivious about things that are not about Kiryu, so she didn't notice it until now. But now, it's different. She understands full well—everyone's feelings.

Now that she thought about it, she had a conversation with Maaya-chan before.

It was after the festival; they were clearing up the classroom together.

Star town - Year xx

"Also, is it okay?"

Lila looked at her friend blankly.

"For me to make the idol Terashima Lila my goal?"

"Un! It's okay." Lila laughs softly, "Oh, but first, I need to become the number one star! I'll feel bad if you aim for me if I'm just like this."

"No, the way you are now is fine too."

"I can see it, after all, something beyond the light of the sun and moon. Something much brighter. Your sky's radiance."

"Maaya, Maaya, did you have fun?"

"You were right. My heart was beating so loud, and I got so excited. The lights sparkled, and the voices of everyone in the stadium reverberated in me like they were roaring. It made me think that I really want to continue being an idol."

"Un! Very good. I really do feel reassured knowing that we have the same sort of feelings when performing on stage."

"To the people who believe in a new me, one that I've yet to see

I want to deliver this melody to them, so I'll play

Reaching out my hands to the clear blue sky

I'll take this light with earnest strength

And turn my courage into stars."

It wasn't just Maaya.

Ah... There'll be days when life gets unbearable

But it's fun being able to work hard too

If you get tired working for that beautiful dream of yours

Just raise your voice and have a good cry."

She's not alone, she never was, and from now onwards, too, she won't be. She doesn't know what the future holds. But, she does know that no matter how far apart they all are, there will be something that connects them. There will be a connection no matter what shape or form it takes.

"If you can't see your mistakes, you won't see the truth

Once you stop hiding your weaknesses behind excuses

Swaying with emotion, the "song" begins."

There was Kasumi too.

"Lila, there's something I have been meaning to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Do you remember what my dream is?"

"En, I remember."

"Something is different now."

Something different? Ah, maybe Kasumi doesn't want to sing with her anymore?

"Blinded by the light of the sun, by a strong radiance. I was only looking at Ageha-san too. Since she came here, we have all been aiming to beat her. But my true goal shines far beyond the sun. The first star."

Oh!!!!

Kasumi turns to her with a bright smile.

"I want to compete with you directly after all the idol activities we've done together. That's why win Lila. When we meet again, I want to challenge, the number one idol you. The one who's become a first star."

"En! It's a promise."

"To the me running towards the future, I promise

So that I can be proud, to stay true to myself

I'll become a guide for the light chasing after me

And soon, the dawn of an era will begin

Following the path, I believed in

The moment you reach perfection

Seeing the same scenery with the same friends

Would surely be the best, don't you think?

Like starlight decorating the night sky."

It is okay now; no, it was okay back then too. It took her this long, but she finally realized it, many people love her other than her mother and Ren-san. She was born as a child of darkness, but she can still shine together with everyone.

The moment she finished singing, Lila felt her remaining energy vanish. She knew even without looking at her body that she was fading. She could barely make out the voices calling out to her frantically.

"Is it enough?"

"The energy needed for the lock and keys is enough, but the reaction to the sphere is low. It only touched the surface."

Lila heard what she wanted. 'That means Haruka will be okay, oh thank goodness.'

"Lila? Oi Lila."

Oh, it's Kiryu; he sounds so worried. But she no longer has the strength to continue. She feels so tired.

"Lila? Hey, Lila, stay awake. Don't close your eyes."

Ever since she was born, she has a had a weak body due to the darkness inside her. However, this is the first time where she has felt like surrendering to that thing inside her. For the first time, she has no strength to fight back. It hurts; she feels so suffocated. She can no longe breathe.

She just wants to end it all. Her thoughts broke off when she heard an explosion in the distance. No, the explosion came from the airship. Her eyes widened, and her body trembled. Haruka?

She watched as part of the aircraft started to fall off, and she sat up.

"Lila? Wait a sec-"

"Sorry. I have to go." Lila did not waste any more words as she disappeared into a pool of light.

…

It did not take long before she arrived inside the aircraft. She thankfully landed in the area of the ship, which was still in tac. Her gaze fell on her surroundings. She needed to concentrate on Haruka's presence, but something on this ship was blocking her senses.

Just as she was about to turn away, she felt somebody grab hold of her wrist. Her eyes widened when she saw who it was. Lila harshly yanked her wrist away, but the person who grabbed her moments ago merely sniggered.

"I didn't think you would be stupid to come here yourself."

Lila watched as the room slowly light up, and she got a clear view of her attacker. It was Rosalia-chan, but the girl's face was half burned; no, it looked like her skin was decaying.

"I'm here to pick up Haruka."

At those words, Rosalia's gaze darkened. "Unfortunately for you, he is too busy with Sophia-sama. I saw them enter the main chambers together. They are probably fooling around now as we speak."

Her gaze did not waver. "If you will excuse me." Lila proceeded to walk away, but Rosalia grabbed hold of her wrist.

"Wait, didn't you hear what I just said?"

"I did."

"Then why?"

"Rosalia-chan, are you not tired of competing with me yet?"

"That-"

"Because I am tired of it. You initially went against me because of Kiryu. It's already been over a year since we broke up, and I have moved on to Haruka. Why are you still so obsessed with beating me?"

At those words, Rosalia froze before she burst into maniac-sounding laughter. "That's right. Originally it was like that, did you know? I actually supported Kiryu's feelings towards you. I encouraged him not to lose hope even when you were too busy flirting around with Ichinose. But then she showed me how wrong this situation was."

Even without asking, Lila knew who she was talking about.

"So I concluded it after a bit of advice from her. What I hate the most is seeing you happy, whether it is Kiryu-kun or Haruka. I will not allow you to have either of them."

'It seems like I have no choice but to confront her. Haruka, just wait for me a bit longer.'

Haruka should have regained his strength due to the lock and keys. As for her, 'I can barely stand. But it should be enough to fend off Rosalia-chan.'