Her Smile

Subaru POV

The S4 selection is coming to an end. We're on the last day ending with Song class. We have been here all four days. It was no surprise that Nikaidō-san kept her position in S4 since she's only in her second year. Theater class was an intense battle. Kisaragi-san took victory but since she's going to be graduation the position went to the second place winner. It was one of Tomato's friends, Saotome-san. The third day was Beauty class. Asahi was nerve wrecking since both of his sisters were going against each other. This was the first sister battle that occurs in Four Star Academy. By the end of the competition, Asahi's younger sister took victory. Dethroning Yozora-san. Now we're at the last day waiting to see who will dethrone Hime-san. I'm right here with the rest of M4 watching the competition. Tomato friend, Sakuraba-san, already gone. My guess Tomato will probably be towards the end.

Honestly, I haven't spoken to her since I last saw her on the first day of the S4 selection. We were running late at night. I just got back from work. I couldn't really sleep and for some odd reason, it felt that I should go for a run. After running for a while I went to the track. I saw Tomato running from a distance. I try calling her but she didn't respond. I went closer to her and saw that she had her headphone on. I guess she's listening to some music. She didn't notice me until she turns her head around. I guess she was surprised that she almost trip. I quickly grab her from her waist to prevent her from falling. I notice the position we were in that I quickly let go. After that she thanks me. We talk for awhile until I notice how nervous she is. Wanting to calm her down I suggested having a mini race from where we are to where we first met. What I didn't expect that she would win. Since the deal was the loser will have to do one thing the winner wants. She had asked me to sing to her. I didn't expect to sing Our Miracle to her. When she asked me that I felt really nervous because well it felt that I'll be confessing to her. But not the less I still sang to her. I kept looking at her when I sang to her and she kept looking at me with that smile. Every time she smiles my hearts just starts to beat fast. She eventually started to sing with me. By the end of the song, I had asked her to think of me when is her turn. In case she was nervous or doesn't know who to sing too.

I'm not sure but after we said goodnight I kept thinking about her and her smile. I thought about the things we went through this past year but I also thought about her smile. I realize that I have seen all different type of her smile. Her victory smile, her determination smile, her I'm so exciting smile, her weak smile, and her angelic smile.

I remember the time when she didn't smile. It hurt not seeing her smile. I guess the most memory I have was when I ran into her one day at the gazebo of the school while she was eating lunch.

Flashback

I was on my way to the dorm after returning from work when I saw Tomato sitting by herself. I went near her but I didn't talk to her. I heard from some people that she hasn't been acting like herself for awhile. Every since headmaster ask me not to dig any deeper on the things that have been going on to her. I kept a fair distance from her. So when I saw her I couldn't dare to go near her. Even though I wanted too. I hid behind the stone as I watch her silently. When I look at her she started to cry. What surprised me was that she didn't finish her food. She left all depress. I wanted to ask her if I can help but I couldn't. All I wonder if she's going to be fine. To honestly it hurt me so much to see her like that.

End of Flashback

When I saw her smile returned, I felt relieved. I even blush.

I'm not sure but Tomato smile has some sort of affect on people. When she did her victory pose I couldn't help to laugh. Even after she declared, me as her rival she had this kind of smile that helps me be at ease. At first, I was upset with her for leading me on but it went away after seeing her smile.

Even now while thinking about her smile, I can't help myself to smile.

Several others Idol performed until it was time for a short break. Me and the guys decided to get some snack before the second half started. Part of me was hoping to see Tomato around but I didn't. I guess she's was busy preparing herself.

We return to our seats as we waited for the second half to start.

"Nee, Subaru-kun, do you think Yume-chan could win the S4 selection?"

I was a bit startled when Asahi ask me that. If I were, to be honest with them I'll say "Of course I think she'll win. I saw how much she work in her aikatsu. And how much she had to go through to become the idol she is today" But if I said that I know the guys will tease me non-stop. Instead, I answer them casually.

"I think she has the potential to win but I can't say for sure until she performs," I try not to make it obvious that I'm hoping for her to win.

I see the guys smirking. I try to ignore them but I guess it won't be happening.

"You think you can fool us Subaru?"

I still try to ignore them.

"We know you're hoping for Yume-chan to win. You may not notice but your eyes give it away. We see how anxious you are to see her perform. And you know if she does win then you'll have more opportunity to work with her."

I blush at his last statement. Can't let them know that they're right. But most important I can't let them know about my true feelings.

Before either of us can say anything the second half started. We all put our attention on the stage. As I watch several idols performed I can't help to think what the guys said.

Is true that I want Tomato to win not only because I get to work with her more often but I also want to see that smile that she accomplish her dream.

Soon after it was Tomato turns. She came out with a cute coord. It was pink with rainbows effect. It had some bows around. She started to sing Star Jet.

After her performance, I couldn't believe it. She did an amazing job. It was like no other performance. I was able to feel the message through her song. She thanks, everyone that supported her. Her friends, her fans, her parents, and to me. Her message came clear to me. I'm not sure but I feel that she wanted me to know that she's thinking about me.

Nozomu had asked me what I thought about her performance. I just simply answer that it was a good performance. I didn't want to give the guys the pleasure to tease me.

Soon her results were revealed. She was able to beat her friend. Making her on top. I couldn't help to smile at her hard work.

I looked at Tomato as she waves to the crowd with her own smile. And for a brief second, she looked at me as if saying "I did it". Soon she said her last thank you and left the stage.

Right after Hime-san appear. Her performance was amazing too but to all honestly, I still like Tomato's.

Unfortunately, Hime-san is still top of song class. I couldn't help to look at Tomato to see how she's taking it. As usual, she put on a smile. But deep down I know she's upset that she couldn't beat Hime-san.

"Too bad she didn't beat Hime-san but at least she got the spot," I look at Asahi when he said that.

"Shouldn't you go to her Subaru?" I quickly look at Nozomu.

"Why should I?" even though I want to go, I can't let them tease me.

"According to my analyze, it seems that Yume-chan number one supporter is not only her friends and her parents but you."

"Ehh!" what is he saying.

"You are always there for her Subaru. Don't you think we notice it? Even when she was performing we all saw how you look at her. You had this rare look that is hard to explain. Plus we saw how she look at you after she performed. Honestly, Subaru when are you going to stop lying to yourself? If you can't admit it to us at least how can you admit to yourself." Asahi basically screaming at that statement.

Is not that I'm lying to myself is more that I'm not ready to admit it to anyone because recently I discovered that I truly do love that Tomato.

I can feel my face heating up. I try to look away but there is no escape. I see the guys smiling as they look at me. I know eventually, those guys won't stop bugging me until they know.

I sigh before saying anything else, "If you guys can keep a secret than yes I do have feelings for her but I just recently discovered these feelings. So is hard for me to admit it just yet. I mean is hard just to tell you guys so imagine how hard it will be to confess to her."

"At least you figure it out" I didn't dare to look at them because of my face.

"We know you're still discovering these feelings but you shouldn't be afraid,"

Only if they knew what scares me the most

"Love should be something wonderful to experience, not something to be scare off"

"Thanks for your advice Nozomu but I already made up my mind" with that I left the guys behind. I can hear them calling my name but I just ignore them since I don't want to tell them what I'm going to do.

Going back to the night Tomato and I sang together. Something else happens to me that night. When I was thinking about her smile I realize that I have really fallen for her. It took me a while to accept that I love that Tomato but at the end, I accepted these feelings I have for her. However, I started to think about the challenge I may have if I confess to her. I wonder if she's going to return my feelings, or does she only see me as a rival? And now that she's in S4 will we have time to date if we do have mutual feelings toward each other? Will she take me seriously since I tend to tease her a lot?

So at the end, I thought the best choice is to just keep these feelings hidden for a while. I'm not sure if I'll ever confess to her but to all honestly, I am scare since I never experience these kinds of things.

When I was walking to the lobby I saw headmaster talking to someone. I decided to go up to him even if I'm not sure what to say to him. Before I could say anything, he apologizes for the night he told me not to go further into Tomato's mysterious power. I told him not to worry since she was able to perform at her best to her ability. I left after that.

I went outside to see what kind of stands they are there before going to the dorms but I also want to see if Tomato is around to congratulate her and to see how she feels. There was nothing that interests me in the stand and I didn't see that Tomato anywhere. So instead I went to the beach for a while. I look at the sunset and started to think.

Tomato's had surely changed since I first met her. At first, I couldn't take her seriously, like I do now. She surely left an impression on me and still does.

I smile as I remember all the times I talk to her.

After her class sorting audition, I met up with her. It was the first time she knew I was an idol. She had a confident smile when she said that she could care less about M4.

When she was at M4 show, she smiles proudly when she talk about her time being in her elementary volleyball team.

After her first solo concert, she gave out this smile of satisfaction to the crowd. Even though at first she wasn't sure who she was singing too.

When she was having a concert at the park. I saw her after the show. She seems to be tired but she tried to put a smile as if was nothing.

When she asked me about my plans for Christmas. At first, I was shocked but when she explained that one of her friends was just wondering. I couldn't help to be relieved since I wasn't sure what I would say if she did want to go out. When I asked her about her plans, she smiles saying that she will be doing a concert with her friends. Even after she had this crazy idea of being Santa Claus, I stood up for her since I didn't want her to back to the sour octopus. Plus I enjoy seeing her like that. Motivated.

Even after both our concert and our talk about being the first start idols. That Tomato almost slips. Luckily, I caught her but when she thanked me she gave out this cute smile when she said my name for the first time. I'm used to girls saying my name but when she said it I couldn't help to turn red. She even laughs which made it hard to calm down. I think that, was the first time I felt my heart beat fast.

I'm not sure why I decided to give her recording of The Best Music Show. I guess I just wanted to help her out since it was going to be her time in the show. But it was worth it seeing that smile. It surprise me when she shook my hand. But it didn't bother me.

But there were times where I couldn't enjoy her smile.

When we did the movie about a fairy. Nozomu and Tomato talk right after the screening. I couldn't help feeling annoyed how they were talking. Especially how she smiled at him.

When headmaster asked me to stay away for her mysterious power. I saw her a few days later at one of Hime-san events. I wanted to talk to her but restrain myself. It hurt a lot that I couldn't go near her. At that moment I didn't understand why.

When it was the fall festival, Tomato competes with one of the members of S4 and her friend. After the competition, I went to look for her. Even though she seems to be doing okay, I couldn't help to worry about her. I told her it was okay if her fans cheer her up just give back what they gave you. She smiles but it wasn't a Tomato's smile.

Not only her smile has an effect on me but her cute reaction to anything. Especially when her face becomes red. Which leads me to call her Tomato.

There are a lot of moments where it feels that I can do anything but I can't help feel scared. Even with all those memories, I can't find the courage to tell her how I feel. I guess my biggest fear it that this is just a one sided love.

Even though I decided to stay here at Four Star Academy just to be with her for any case. I'm not sure if she'll ever see me more than a friend and rival.

With all this thought I suddenly heard someone yelling.

"Hime-senpai! I'm gonna beat you next time, just you wait!"

I look at the direction where the yelling is coming from. From a distance I see Tomato yelling towards the ocean.

That is so her. I guess she's still feel bad about her lost toward Hime-san. I was about to go to her until I saw Hime-san in front of her. I stood a fair distance from them since I don't want to disturb them. But I could still hear that they were saying.

I heard Hime-san tell Tomato how much she has grown since starting her idol career. How she couldn't leave her alone. How she went through a lot from the first day. But with each time she grew stronger. At the end, she told her that song class is in her care. Also that she is a rainbow idol. Since with all of her experience she went through. Her tears and her smile are something she should not let go. That she will make people smile with her hard work.

I couldn't help to agree with Hime-san. I was about to go to them to congratulate her but Tomato's friend came. I left since it wasn't the right time.

I walk to the dorms before the guys try to find me. As I was walking I couldn't help to think what Hime-san to Tomato. I guess I wasn't the only one who saw what she went through.

If Tomato can overcome everything that crosses her path why can't I?

I realize that I'm by the tree where we met, where she told me about her first solo concert, where she gave me her Valentines chocolate, and where we sang together after our mini race. Everything I went with her never stops me from helping her or wonder about her. Then having these feelings shouldn't stop me from confessing her. If Tomato can see the bright side to everything and smile afterward then I should be positive too.

I'm going to confess to her after the S4 ceremony. Even if she does reject me at first I'm not going to give up. She is the first girl to make me question about love. I'll make her see me more than a friend and rival. And if she does return my feelings then I'll do any possible way to make her happy even with our busy schedule.

With a new determination set, I start to walk to the M4 dorms.

With my final thoughts, I may be new with these feelings but I'll make sure to make you happy till the end. Even if we're still rivals, Yu-Yu-Yume I'll help you reach your goal. I'll be by your side. We'll experience this together. Just please don't let this be just a one sided love.

So it took me awhile to write this chapter. Sorry, it took long. But I hope you enjoy it. Sorry if there is a lot of twists and turn here. But at least Subaru finally accepted his feelings.

There is only one chapter left before this story comes to an end. I almost have the last chapter done but it still going to take some time. So please be patient. But I'll give you all a mini preview for the next and final chapter.

Their hands are still connected, their eyes lock to one another. Their hearts are beating fast. Both of their faces stay the same shade of red. No one said a word. Wanting this moment to last.

However, this moment can't last long. Before Subaru can say anything Yume had started talking.

This is all you are getting. Since it's still a working process.

Until next time

Please tell me your thoughts about this chapter.