---

March 2035, stadium backstage.

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.

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 knows that no matter how far apart they all are, there will be something that connects them. No matter what shape or form it takes, there will be a connection.

Her thoughts break off when she feels a pair of arms hug her from behind. Ah, her Kiryu! He made it. Her Kir--"Lila, Lila."

Um, um, is he going to be silly now? He kept sniffling her neck. For the next few minutes, Lila remained like that with Kiryu. But he turned her around and held her.

"Thought I was late, and I'd get to see your angry face."

"Bully! You almost were."

"My bad. You okay?"

Lila nodded, "Ah-huh, I've resolved myself."

---

She became everyone's hope, everyone's light. Like she told Maika, there's a burden behind becoming number one. Becoming everyone's light. The moment her feelings clouded, her journey started. It was almost as though someone was telling her, that she will find the answers she's searching for on her journey, "I want to tell Kiryu my feelings properly... I think that's what the missing something is..."

"Lilchan."

"But I can't be too sure, it could still be something else. For me, Kiryu will always be the most important person that will never change. Yet, my world can't revolve around only Kiryu anymore. I can't turn a blind eye to others anymore. So many people helped me get to where I am now. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to s.h.i.+ne as bright as I have. From now onwards that will be the case too."

___________________________________________________

Kiryu stood there dumbfounded at Haruka's words, "You'll discard your mission regarding Lila?"

"Well, half of it. I'll still chase after her, no matter how long it takes. I'll make her fall in love with me."

For someone so smart why doesn't he understand that Lila already liked him? But he supposes this is as far as he can interfere. He cannot expose Lila's feelings, this part will be up to the two.

"You'll discard her joining your side and using her powers."

Haruka nodded, "I never agreed with the plan."

"You didn't?"

"Why would I... do the same thing twice?"

His eyes widened.

"You remember?"

"I always did. I feigned ignorance that day in the hospital. I'm glad, she made it out there alive and even you... That day, you didn't hesitate at all, while I did. For the longest time, I always thought that was the difference between us. Even though I love her this much, I don't stand a chance against you. My feelings for her, cannot match up to yours."

Kiryu said nothing at first as he sorted out his thoughts. He didn't think Karas.h.i.+ma remembered this whole time. The eyes of the boy he called out after that day in the hospital were confusion. Karas.h.i.+ma didn't know who he was, who Lila was. But because of his naivety, not the voice in his head that said it's better if everyone forgets. It's better if his rival disappears, that made him conclude that way.

"I was actually jealous of you."

Haruka's calm demeanor vanished then, "Quit messing around."

"I'm not."

"Are you crazy? That girl has only ever loved you. Even when she said those words, she meant it for you. I've already long accepted that I was never anything to her. When I met her again too, her feelings for you had gotten a lot stronger than before. From the start I..."

At that comment, Kiryu raised his hand and punched him.

He didn't know when.

But his irritation was building up. What is this guy saying? What has he been blabbing on about? He never stood a chance? Lila's always loved him?

"You..."

"That girl knows it deep in her heart. Why she didn't confess her feelings sooner, it's because she was waiting for someone. She was waiting to see that person again to sort her feelings out."

This entire time he has been holding it back. As he continued to watch Lila and Karas.h.i.+ma interact like they are mere strangers. Strangers who are falling in love with one another. But that's wrong, isn't it? That's wrong. Back then, back when they were kids. The three of them already crossed paths with each other.

"Are you saying she?.."

"Treat her well." Kiryu said, "Treat her well because I know full well that even if I were to stop her now. She could never leave you alone. Somebody has to back down here , it should be you not me. I don't want Lila to feel confused anymore. If you like her, do me a favor, will you? Stop sleeping around with others, she won't be able to tell.. if you do something like that..."

At some point Kiryu found himself crouched on the ground.

His thoughts broke off when Karas.h.i.+ma walked over and extended his hand out.

"You... talk a lot.."