Idolised Lies

Chapter 21: Meet and Greet

In some way, Firey had admired Leafy, from the first time he saw her debuting for Free Heart to right at that very moment, watching her do the finishing touches to her hair and make-up.

He had never felt this way towards anyone before, he had never loved anyone in the way he loved Leafy.

Ruby was different, the love he had for Ruby was unconditional, she was family, it was expected that he would care about her.

She was great, she was always sweet and kind toward Firey but if they weren't family, he couldn't see himself actually caring about or being her fan when she became an Idol.

But she was his family, his best friend in many ways, she meant a lot to him and losing her had changed Firey, setting him on a different path.

He became more reclusive, setting his mind on studying and getting through things without talking to anyone rather than going out and having a social life.

Ruby had been his rock, his morale and when she left and broke her promise, Firey found it hard to deal with other people and their fake personalities.

Ruby had done so much for him, she had inspired him and was there for him when he needed support.

Maybe that's why it hurts him when he saw Leafy smile...

He's noticed similarities between them both, Leafy shines in the same way Ruby did, her grin bright and energetic, her aura was dazzling and fun.

"You ready to watch me light up that stage?"

"Always,"

Those were the words they exchanged before Leafy walked out into the brilliant sunlight, the crowd cheering her name.

Firey could never bring himself to watch Leafy, it brought back so many memories that he wanted to bury in the past.

Thankfully, he could stand there and do his job with his back to her, listening to her voice and getting an idea of what she was like from the crowd's reactions.

...

From where he stood, Firey could see Coiny just at the edge of the large crowd with Butter in his arms, an excited smile on his face while he cheered for Leafy and her group.

Just as Firey had assumed, Coiny agreed to look after Butter during the concert but he had been smart about the arrangements before he actually said yes.

Coiny had convinced Firey to get him backstage and be able to talk to Leafy face to face, all he had to do was keep Butter safe and lift him up occasionally so he could see Leafy performing.

...

Leafy's eyes scanned the crowd and her eyes lit up when she saw Butter off to the side so the other security couldn't say he was in the way.

He was such a sweet little dog, he almost looked like he was smiling and he happily wagged his tail, barking every so often, clearly loving where he was and getting very excited to see "the pretty lady" on stage.

Now, if only someone else could have that kind of reaction...

Leafy knew that Firey never looked at her, she was well aware that he always had his back to her.

She hated it.

All of this effort, no matter what she put into it, it was never enough it seemed, never enough for him to turn around and just look at her.

Was she being selfish, greedy even?

Maybe, but she didn't care.

Everyone seemed to be allowed to be selfish except for her, it wasn't fair.