Chapter 396

Under the stage lights, she wore a dark-toned idol outfit that differed from the idol style in Haihara's memories.

Conversely, there was her long hair, dyed in a strange color.

Although they were far apart, the screen showed the delicate and beautiful face of the teenage idol.

It gives off an impression of being like a little deer.

Logically speaking, Haihara shouldn't be interested in this kind of cute child.

But is it fair to say he's a true idol?

They're so cute, it's almost irresistible.

"..."

Haihara blinked.

How should I describe it?

The surrounding cheers, though not crowded, roared like a tidal wave because of her.

Despite the many voices and colors, the world at this moment focuses solely on her.

Even breathing was drawn to her, rising and falling with her voice.

The stage light reflected in Haihara's pupils.

After intermission, the performance continued, beginning the most anticipated second half.

In this process, Haihara probably began to understand how her classmates used to feel when they were chasing after idols.

It was definitely more interesting than I had imagined.

Then, as the music started playing on stage, the idol began her performance, and the entire venue was immersed in her world.

I wasn't very good at these kinds of situations from the beginning.

Gradually, Haihara seemed to discover some enjoyment in it.

"Um..."

It would be nice if there was popcorn.

Should I try to follow in other people's footsteps and idolize my idol?

She gently rested one hand on her chin, lost in thought...

However, the ending of this performance was quite unexpected.

It's not just Haihara.

The same applies to other fans familiar with this idol named Tachibana Aeruru.

It's like an echo of the wishing card in Haihara's hand.

---At the end of the performance, the idol, whom I was meeting for the first time but who had captured my attention and curiosity, announced his graduation without any prior notice.

At that time, Haihara knew nothing about that child.

The sudden news of graduation caused an uproar and a sense of dejection.

Some die-hard fans felt like they were dreaming.

Haihara thought this might really be a dream, because she couldn't quite make out the other people's faces.

If this is a dream, then she herself is probably just an ordinary passerby in the dream.

But for some reason, she seemed particularly unlike herself today.

Haihara remembers that she could sometimes become very bold.

So, after the performance, she began her search.

Yes, I'm trying to find that idol.

Although she didn't think she could find it.

Since the idol suddenly announced her graduation, without even a fan meeting and autograph session, and considering that many emotional fans wanted to know the reason, it was unlikely that Tachibana Aeruru could be found at this time.

Haihara didn't think she was any smarter than others in any way.

But it's probably because it was a dream.

She saw many places that were very blurry, like a dream, filled with people whose faces were indistinct.

So in her dream, she skipped over those places that were unclear and shrouded in mist.

I don't know how much time passed.

Under the thick snow, the sky looked as if it were about to get dark.

In this chilly weather, Haihara found Idol Girl looking at Christmas trees and idol posters by the roadside.

The idol wore a beanie to cover her conspicuous dyed hair.

There are also thick scarves.

Because the idol's face is so small, a scarf should be enough to cover it completely.

But because the other person's face was very clear, and he was half a head shorter than her, he was easy to recognize.

"Excuse me, are you Ms. Tachibana Aeruru?"

Haihara tried to strike up a conversation in a friendly manner.

However, it still gave that idol a little fright.

The girl's eyes were slightly downcast, and she only blinked after seeing Haihara.

Who are you?

Miss Idol didn't seem too nervous.

Haihara Lily Chou said:

"I just attended your concert, may I have your autograph?"

That's how it should be done.

As for what she can sign, besides her clothes, the only thing Haihara carries is that wishing plaque.

Tachibana Aeruru paused for a moment.

Because she couldn't hold onto her scarf, her pretty, youthful face was revealed.

Her expression revealed surprise.

"Sure..."

Tachibana Aeruru never expected that this seemingly aloof and taciturn girl would be her fan.

She expertly took out a pen and asked where to sign.

Haihara then took out the back of the colored card and gave it to Tachibana Aeruru to sign.

Next, Ailulu lowered her head, looking serious, and removed the pen cap, revealing her small, frozen hands inside her sleeve.

At that moment, Haihara looked down to see her idol's face.

They are really cute.

Speaking of which, in Miss Ailulu's eyes, is she also just a blurry mess, unable to see her face clearly?

I probably won't remember her that way.

But even if you see it clearly, it's the same.

"Is there a problem?"

Tachibana Aeruru noticed that Haihara was staring at her.

Haihara couldn't help but ask:

"No... but have we met somewhere before?"

Haihara felt that upon closer inspection, she should have seen Tachibana Aeruru somewhere before.

This blatant attempt to flirt made Haihara feel embarrassed and ashamed.

Tachibana Aeruru, of course, had absolutely no idea Haihara, this random girl.

However, she still looked like an angel.

"Hmm? Even if we haven't met before, we've met today. Thank you for your support, miss."

She secretly revealed a smile beneath her scarf, a smile that only Haihara could see at that moment.

Haihara Lily Chou was speechless for a short while because of this.

"Ah... oh."

Since you've already signed it, there's no need to keep pressing the issue.

Our brief meeting is coming to an end.

Perhaps this meeting and getting an autograph made Ms. Tachibana Aeruru, who had just graduated, quite happy; who knows?

On the snow-covered street, the idol who had just announced his graduation waved goodbye to Haihara:

"Oh, and if you can, please smile too."

Then, the girl lightly placed her fingers on both sides of her cheeks and pulled them up.

Although the other person didn't even know her name, Haihara nodded subconsciously.

"Um, Ms. Tachibana Aeruru, please do your best too."

Although there probably won't be much to strive for after graduation.

This was also outside the scope of her knowledge.

But where will Tachibana Aeruru go next?

Where do people like this usually live?

These things seem unimportant now...

The idol girl's figure gradually faded into the distance on this somber snowy day, leaving only Haihara staring at the autograph in her hand, thinking:

Will this be the last time we meet?

Chapter 160 Questions about Happiness

After the performance, only a commotion remained in the venue. Even Sakaki Chika herself couldn't quite believe it. She unexpectedly calmly announced her graduation, without backing down or losing her composure.

She could rightfully hear many sounds.

Some were saddened and didn't react for a moment, some tried to salvage the situation, and some felt like they were dreaming.

After all, she hadn't announced it beforehand.

Some people even resorted to swearing and cursing due to emotional outbursts.

This is quite normal.

Regardless of the sound, it made Sakaki Chika feel scared, uneasy, and lost.

However, this is her own problem, so there's nothing to complain about.

For the time being, she ignored those voices. After the performance, she put on a warm scarf and stood alone in the empty street corner of her dream, gazing at the gloomy snowy sky, lost in thought.

Sakaki Chika doesn't really like winter.

My grandmother passed away in winter.

When it snows heavily again in winter, like today, even though it's still daytime, it feels like the sun has already set. It always makes people feel depressed, and the chilly weather makes her feel very insecure.

[It's over.]

Tachibana's voice echoed in her mind.

"Yes."

Sakaki Chika looked up at the Christmas tree covered with tiny lights.