Chapter 10:

Unwanted doubt

After the Limelight: An Unwanted Boom in Fame


"He's lying on the grass, asleep--so peaceful. That peaceful sleep almost contrasts with the chaos inside myself...I envy him, in a lot of ways. He's just...so relaxed and at ease, so content...


"After that moment of admiration, I go to wake him up. I shake him awake gently, and he opens his eyes, staring at me with his tired eyes. .


I wake him up and he sits up


But he's still just so...so beautiful. The way the sun shines on his face, it's just...just so beautiful...even in this state. I...I can't explain the feeling I get when I look at him...that look just makes me so happy...


Is he? I suddenly remembered the boy playing bass on stage at the concert. Could it be that he's one of Ethan's band mate? 


"He starts to wake up after a few moments. He's a bit groggy...but as soon as his eyes open, they light up. It's like he sees the whole world in a better light when he sees me."


"He sat down in the grass. He looks so peaceful...so calm. I...I can't help but stop for a little bit to stare at him. He just...feels so tranquil, so beautiful..."


He was wearing coffeeviIe academy uniform" uhm who are you? "I politely asked


"Jun. I'm looking for rikka—rikka akari"he said


"You're looking for me? "He nodded 


"Why are you lying down in the grass?" I asked


 "It's peaceful," he replies. "I was just enjoying the sunlight and hearing the birds sing." 


I smile and responds, "That sounds really nice. Would you mind if I join you?"


 Jun smiles and nodding his head, "Sure, come on over." I sits down next to him, soaking in the warmth of the sun and the sound of the birds.


* It helps me forget the pain I've been feeling..."


he started rubbing his eyes sleepy? huh? What did he just say all of sudden? 


I'm full now and it's making me so sleepy. Can I take a nap? 


" are you really going to sleep here?''i asked but he just leaned on my shoulder without a word


 zzzz 


within a seconds, he was already snoring softly What the? seriously?


 he's already asleep?!how could someone fall asleep so quickly 


I can't believe it he seems to be living a life of freedom his fluffy hair is touching my cheek...it kind of tickles his soft blonde hair was like that


what should i do in this situation?


 he's cute his sleeping face seemed more masculine and i could tell that he was exceptionally handsome but even so i began to feel drowsy as i watched him sleep the warm sunlight felt pleasant and gentle breeze was stroking my cheeky 


when i opened my eyes, Jun's face was very close.to ne...sorry i was just surprised you fell asleep with me


Wait a second, is it already night?” I asked in surprise, my voice drowsy as I slowly wakes up.


 Jun sits up and looks at me, nodding his head and laughing a bit. 


"Yeah, I guess this nap really got away from us. We really are the last two left here at school, huh?" I smiled, her eyes sparkling as she gets up and stretches the sleepiness from her eyes. "You're right, we should head out. 


I'm sorry I fell asleep," says Jun, his voice soft as he looks at me with sincere regret. 


"But thank you for letting me rest like that. It was really nice being so close to you, and I feel so much better now that I've had a chance to sleep." I smiled melting at his sincere apology and the sweet tone of his voice. I'm glad I could provide a comfortable and restful environment for him, and that he's feeling better following his nap. 


"Would you like me to walk you home?" ask Jun, his voice soft and considerate.


 My heart fluttering as l thinks of the offer. "I'd love that," i replies. It's rare for me to have such an opportunity 


 The two of us begin to walk together, chatting happily and enjoying the scenery as they go. Before they know it their walk home has been spent discussing the day's events and laughing along the way.


By the way jun, you said you're looking for me right?


"Oh yeah"


For an interview


Interview what?!! 


What are you doing at the backstage last night?" "Jun suddenly bring up 


" Oh that? "I smiled awkwardly "how should I say this...You see, I lost my ticket on my way from the flower shop so I decided to just sneak in not realizing where I was heading —" 


" Do you hate sariel? "


Well sariel said he won't let me ruin Ethan. I don't know exactly what he means tho... 


" there's a fan who is obsessed with Sariel. This person has been stalking him, and they've been getting more and more aggressive."




"The fan started out with small messages, but it's now escalated to harassment--and now violence. It's truly terrifying to know that someone could be that...that obsessed over someone else..."




"Sariel has an obsessed follower?" I Rikka, my eyes growing wide at the thought. "I had no idea!" I continues, frowning slightly. 


"It must be terrifying to have someone stalking you like that. I feel so bad for her." Jun nods his head in agreement,


 "yeah it's horrible. Someone following you around and watching you all the time is not only terrifying, but it can also be very dangerous. It's such an unsafe and invasive situation, and I don't know how Sariel can stand it. 




"It's...it's just not right. Why...why would someone do something like that? It's scary...but...it must be true...it all makes too much sense..."I said




"Sariel is scared. This...this fan is so unhinged. They have no limits...no boundaries."




"It's not that I don't like Sariel," explains Jun, "but she's just so popular and seems to be everywhere. I feel like I'm constantly having to compete with his for attention, and it can get pretty frustrating at times." 


I nods my head, understanding his frustration. It must be difficult to always feel like you're not good enough when you're surrounded by such a well-liked girl.


 "But he's not a bad person," he replies with a sympathetic smile, "he's just very popular. Maybe if we give it some time, we can all eventually become friends."


..."


"Sariel is just so beautiful, talented, and popular. It seems like everyone loves him, and it's just hard to compete with that.


 I'm always seeing him in the spotlight and getting tons of attention, and it can be hard to feel like I'm never good enough or can never measure up. 


But at the same time, she's not a bad person. he's just really good at what she does and is appreciated for it. It's just hard not being able to compare and sometimes I feel like I have something to prove. It can be exhausting."

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