Tears started to stream down her face before long, which did not go unnoticed by Lila. "Wahhh, Kasumi? Why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying!!"

Lila laughed, "But you are," her friend grabbed hold of her hands and brushed their foreheads together. "I don't know what your thinking, but I don't blame you at all, Kasumi."

"How come?"

"How to put it? I know you've been doing your best for me this entire time."

"Stupid," Kasumi wailed. "You're stupid."

"I know, I know."

"How come?" she questioned. Why is Lila so forgiving? She betrayed her by creating that unit with Emma. Because of her impatience, she formed a unit with another person. Kasumi wanted to reach the top no matter what it took.

"I honestly don't understand it myself. During the last second before I disappeared, weren't you calling out to me desperately? It made me think, I'm glad. You'd be able to live. Even if it isn't easy to pick up the pieces afterwards, you'd survive and be happy."

"Lila, your so silly. How could I possibly be happy when you weren't beside me? And anyone else I was fond was already gone. I should have died alongside you all."

Her sentence fell short when Lila hugged her. "Hurting one another isn't fighting. There are times when you discover something precious. I think everyone's fighting to discover that something." Lila smiles softly.

"Lila."

"Im fine now, I was given many more chances with the person I love and have built up so many memories with him. As well as you, my best friend who's been beside me this entire time."

She was smiling brighter than any sun; enthusiasm flows out of her. She can't win against this person. A part of her had already known that from the moment they met each other. But who would have thought that things would up end up like this?

Even after so many years had gone past, they would constantly remind her of that? Really this person is unbelievable, isn't she?

Kasumi always knew that, though, as the person closest to the person named Teras.h.i.+ma Lila. Once upon a time anyway. The one who knows Lila best is surely Karas.h.i.+ma Haruka. However, unlike before, that didn't bother her as much. Lila has become so strong despite all the pain and suffering she has gone through.

.....

At High Seeds records - Meeting room -

"Here," Karas.h.i.+ma Haruka pa.s.sed her a box of tissues.

Kasumi glanced over at the man who just pa.s.sed her the box. What a surprising suggestion, when Karas.h.i.+ma said for her to come along with them. She heard many rumors about this man. One of them being how he treasured his time with Lila. She can't believe she cried so much. Even now, Kasumi could see her reflection in the mirror. The corners of her eyes were puffy and sore due to crying so much.

"Hubby, I need help!" Lila exclaimed from behind the curtain. "I think I gained weight; this dress doesn't fit."

Haruka chuckled, "I doubt it. Are you sure you're wearing it, right?"

Lila peeked slightly and puffed her cheeks, "Of course I am."

The reason why she became an idol, on top of being a model, was solely because of her best friend, Teras.h.i.+ma Lila. Although she asked Yori to re-debut and go to Lila for that reason, Kasumi knew that it wouldn't be long before the caramel-colored haired girl got too caught up in her dreams. From the very start, her reason for becoming an idol was solely to keep watch of her best friend. If anything ever happens, if her power was to go out of control and devour her. Futaba would do her job. However, her gaze fell on her cheerful best friend.

Karas.h.i.+ma had helped her, and she was beaming happily, with a script in her hands.

"Lila, shouldn't you be training? You have the tournament tomorrow, right?"

"Mm. I'm fine. Preparations complete."

Is it that simple? Then again, Kasumi already saw her friends stage the other day. If Lila can sing like that, then isn't she okay? Speaking of which, "Your feeling better now? Hospitalized..."

"I'm alright," Lila nodded. She laughed nervously, "What a close one, I thought I wouldn't make it on time. But I tested my voice yesterday, and I seem to be okay."

So, yesterday was the first time she sang since that time? A dark aura wrapped around her and Lila sweat fell. "Uh, but you know this is because of hubby. He's done his best to help cure me."

"Because of Karas.h.i.+ma?" she eyed the man suspiciously. Kasumi read the reports of course, so she knew how dangerous this man was. No, the recent reports. "Isn't your company involved with the recent drug case?"

"That's..."

Lila frowned and clung onto Karas.h.i.+ma, "What company? He's with me! He's not a member of that place anymore."

"Wife, it's fine."

"But, but..."

Haruka glanced over at her and nodded. "Yeah, they are. But like Lila said, I'm a member of high seeds records now. In a sense, I haven't terminated my contract with the other place yet. However, I'm in the process of termination. Because of that, I no longer have access to the records like I did before. Nor do they tell me anything."

"I see."

"However," Haruka teamed off. "I have my own means to get information. The Iwa family is working on the case?"

"Were helping the Austin family, so if you do have something to say. Tell Kiryu," Kasumi was challenging him by saying these words. But, to her surprise, he remained calm.

"Tell Kiryu? I guess I can spare some time now before Lila goes on the program."

Haruka gently kissed Lila's lips, "I'm going for a bit okay, wife? Stay put here, and don't go anywhere else."

"Okay, hubby."

Wait; what? Kasumi's eyes were still wide as she watched as Karas.h.i.+ma stood up and left the room. She turned to Lila, "How come ..."

"Did you think he was that petty?"

"Yes."

"I can't deny that he is petty at times. However, he had his reasons. I know that does not excuse his bad att.i.tude during those times. But, he is getting better at accepting people other than me now."

Kasumi could not miss the fond expression on her friend's face and the warmth behind her words. Lila genuinely loves Karas.h.i.+ma Haruka. No matter how bitter she feels about it, she can't do anything to change Lila's mind anymore. Besides, one of the reasons why she is against Karas.h.i.+ma has nothing to do with him. Its because she is afraid of change. However, Lila has made it clear already; no matter what happens, Lila will not abandon her for Karas.h.i.+ma. Karas.h.i.+ma is not a bad guy.

"Tell me something Lila, can you tell me everything? Since you came back, our conversations are very short. I have not had the chance to ask you everything yet."

"Ah-huh, I would like to talk about that."