20XX
"Then, when we get older, let's get um ma—married," A girl around four years old said shyly, as she held out a flower.
The child opposite her looked at her with wide eyes and sighed, "Do you know what that means, idiot?"
"Um, we can be together forever?"
The young boy pulled the girl into his arms, his lips curve to a smile as he lets out a defeated sigh, "Ah, I can't win against you at all. All right, I understand. I'll marry you."
-------------
Back then, the two of them were unconsciously circling each other. Neither of them crossed that line that would change their relationship. But that was stupid since a long time ago they were already connected.
....
East Library, Light Academy Main Building, 10th Floor.
Haruka was lost in his thoughts as he placed his hand on his cheek before he pulled it away. That girl must be the second person who has hit him like that — the first being Lila. A deep sigh passed his lips, and he ran his hand through his hair. Terashima Lila, huh? An accurate start to this love story would be the moment he met her when they were younger before his father abandoned him he introduced this girl. Haruka recalled thinking, how stupid his father was acting about it. It was clearly a setup and yet he went along with the flow.
His thoughts broke off when he spotted blue hair at the doorway. He stood up and left the couch and made his way over. He pulled the girl into the room and shut the door behind her.
It was awkward for the first few minutes, before he spoke up, "The other day, I went overboard, sorry," Haruka apologized.
"Ah. No me too." Ari said. She hesitantly touched his cheek. The smoothness of the girl's skin surprised him, and for a split second; he thought about what these hands could do to him, "I'm sorry; it must have hurt," she looked genuinely sorry with the way she kept her head down.
"Well, it's seen better days." he murmured.
"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" she asked softly.
"Make it up... " Haruka repeated to himself before he replied, "Then, keep coming here. I promise I won't do anything."
Ari averted her gaze, and he kissed a strand of her hair.
"Please?" he asked.
Ari reluctantly nodded, "Okay."
.....
After a short while, he returned to lay down on the couch, and Ari sat in the same spot she did yesterday. The girl took out some books from her bag and placed it on the table, "Studying Korean?" Haruka asked.
"Ah, y—yes," she replied.
Haruka scanned the books and the girls handwriting; it looks familiar. The books may be a coincidence; anyone uses these as a starter guide. But, this handwriting, why does he recognize it? Haruka got up and took a seat next to her. Even if Lila is in disguise, surely she wouldn't go so far to change her writing style too? Maybe he could tell if it's her based on this.
Ari muttered nervously, "S—senpai, um, you're too close."
At some point, he leaned towards her. "I see nothing wrong with the distance," he muttered against her ear.
"Um, um, if you're just going to — bother me..."
"I'll help." Haruka offered.
Well, it's not like he has anything better to do now. The girl seemed surprised, yet she quickly got out another book from the pile and turned to a page.
"Over here..." Ari said, pointing to a section on the book.
"Which one?" he asked, he was only half paying attention.
"This."
Haruka finally snapped out of his daze, it can't be her and turned his attention towards the book, "For this, you have to..." Haruka explained.
Ari nodded and wrote a few things on the side.
"I see! Hmm..." Despite Ari concentrated expression. Haruka couldn't help but comment on her appearance.
He wondered if this girl knows how hot she looks. Since meeting her yesterday, he hasn't been able to get her out of his mind. It's true; she's beautiful. But, he knows many beautiful girls. So, he wondered what it is about her.
________________________________________
Is she taking advantage of this situation? Maybe she is. But, quite some time had passed since she could relax peacefully like this. Only a short amount of time has passed since she disappeared. Roughly two weeks and yet it felt as though, each day dragged on for too long and whenever she looked up, it would already be dark.
It dragged on for long, but she could not relax for even a second. Her thoughts broke off when he brushed his hand on her cheek. Oh.
"I thought this since yesterday too, but, you look tired. Have you not been getting any sleep?" Haruka asked.
Ah, "I haven't," she replied.
"Are you restless being in a new environment? I'm guessing you didn't just arrive yesterday." Haruka muttered.
Lila shook her head, "Oh, no, I didn't just arrive."
"Huh?"
Lila hesitated for a moment before she replied. "I was elsewhere for, before coming here," She isn't sure whether it was wise to disclose her stay at Moonlight entertainment just yet. Karashima Haruka is still the enemy. When Soichiro opened up the company, Haruka was the one who openly confronted him about it. The only one who saw through the disguise.
"You must have been very busy preparing to move here, and yet, geez. This school is useless. Want to sleep for a bit? I don't mind."
"I—I'm al--" her thoughts broke off when Haruka lifted her off her chair. What-what? What is he doing?
"You haven't been eating, or maybe you're just light," Haruka commented.
Lila is speechless, and for the next few minutes said nothing. Lila did not expect him to act so bold towards her.
It's not the first time they met, so his actions don't surprise her. But, according to him, it's the first time. So, why is he acting so familiar? Or maybe he's just acting like a good senpai? She isn't sure at this stage. He's warm.
Once they got to the couch, Haruka placed her down and looked around for something. He fetched a blanket from the side and wrapped it around her, "Sleep, we can continue the lessons later," he whispered.
"Class." she reminded him.
Haruka reassured her, "You're with me; it's fine."
Lila reluctantly nodded, "Okay."
....
When Lila woke up, at least two hours had passed. She didn't think she would fall asleep. It's true quite some time since she last had a decent amount of sleep. But to fall asleep in the company of someone who isn't Kiryu. How strange. From the looks of it, he did nothing either — what a weird person.
For sure there's something different about him in contrast to before. No, back then. He was gentle too. A kind person, huh? That was her impression of him, and sure enough, he is strange. But she placed her hands on her lips. He kissed her.
__________________________________________
When Haruka heard the sound of the chair moving beside him, he turned to nod at the half-awake girl. Maybe it's because she woke up, but there was something different about the girl's temperament. She seemed almost sullen and elegant. What is he doing, observing her for like this? It's true, he had his suspicions about her being Lila, even more so after he kissed her. But, even then it's a speculation.
Ever since Haruka returned, he hadn't fooled around with girls much and even when he did. Something was different; it's not the same as it was before. When he came back, Boss reprimanded him for breaking loads of rules and punished him.
During his confinement, Jaehee visited him and apologized for the words she said before. 'But, you understand it. Mission or not, you and that girl can never be truly together.' He understood that better than anyone as frustrating as it seemed. Him and Terashima Lila, belong in different worlds.
Even if they're in the same one when their paths cross, it's not to join together but to merely brush by. Had Haruka not, become her English tutor and gave her the documents to the competition. It wouldn't have turned out the way it did. A deep sigh escaped his lips. These days, he thought about her often.
His thoughts broke off when the girl sat beside him started to sing. Oh, her voice.
After he listened for a while, he spoke up and asked, "Are you studying Korean for a competition?"
"En, the Dream Stars one."
Haruka stared at her speechless for a moment.
He supposed this isn't a good time to say he's a judge. She may distance herself from him and feel bad about it. But, she's a participant, huh? She isn't a specially invited one; he's seen all of those after all. Still, "I see, you must be good then." Haruka complimented.
"Could you listen to me, sing?" she asked.
He blinked, confused, "Huh? Well, sure," maybe she knew already? Or perhaps she just wanted an opinion? Either way, whenever he hears singing. By instinct, he always expressed his opinion. It's no different this time either.
.....
"I see," he said, nodding as she finished.
Ari seemed puzzled, "Um?"
"You have a good voice, it's naturally stable, and your range is high, meaning you can hit high notes easily. However, the feeling behind it is weak. You can't perform on stage without a powerful feeling; otherwise, your audience will feel bored. What feeling do you want to convey the most right now? I can tell that it's there, but you're hiding it. That won't get you to pass the audition round," Haruka commented.
The girl is silent for a few minutes before she nodded. He wasn't too harsh there was he?
Haruka looked over at the girl to see a concentrated looking expression on her face.
Why does she trust him so much? She knew better after she saw with her own two eyes he did. After what she saw, how can she act this way? It annoyed him. Haruka felt the irritation build up and before he knew it, he had already cupped the girl's face in his hands and bent down to kiss her. She kicked him several times but he did not let that stop him.
.....
His gaze landed on the girl fast asleep and exhaled deeply. Really, what is he doing? Even if she is beautiful, well no, that's never stopped him before. But she's a newbie; she knew nothing about him or even his business. After all that, she just slept - she did manage to get him off her. He would have to give her credit for that.
She doesn't belong to this side of the world. Haruka knew that better than anyone. However, from the moment, he laid eyes on her. Haruka understood that he wouldn't be able to forget.
Is it because he sees her as resembling Lila, and not just her appearance either? What is he doing, she can't be Lila? Even if she were, she would have no reason to hide her identity from him of all people. His thoughts broke off, when he saw the girl stir.
"Sorry, even though I said--" Haruka paused.
His eyes widened when he felt the girl's arms wrapped around him. Haruka looked at her puzzled, what is she trying to do here? Is she seducing him? R—rather, why did he even think to apologize? Gee. It's not like him.
"Haruka-kun, I'm glad...I can see you again." Ari murmured.
His eyes widened, "What does that..." Haruka words fade when he saw that Ari fell asleep after she said those words.
He blinked. Maybe, his suspicions aren't wrong after all. He should investigate it, correctly, that is. If, Ari turned out to be Lila, what would he do?
...
Three days later at Y Records Building.
Karashima Haruka was not only a prestigious judge, but he held an important position in the Entertainment board. When he arrived at the entrance earlier on, people let him pass without checking identification. At the start, Haruka was not used to all this prestige. Why would he? He isn't the type who flaunted money about, but he did care about it. Without money, he would be the same guy as he was before.
Haruka loitered around the corridor, smoking when he saw blue hair. He paused. Ah. It's her. He seemed to run into her a lot. Haruka intended to turn and be on his way, but he caught a glimpse of some guys suddenly surrounding her. He exhaled deeply and grabbed hold of her wrist. When they saw him, they scurried away. He let's immediately let's go.
"Are you lost?" he asked.
The girl's cheeks reddened upon seeing him, as she hid her face with the documents in her hands. Ari nodded, "They sent here me for a meeting. But, I don't know where this room is." She showed him a document.
Haruka blinked when he saw the name on the top document. Huh? "Come with me."
"Eh?"
"I'm heading there too."
"Okay!" Ari exclaimed.
It's strange; he can't shake the feeling it's connected. The boss already knows she's here and after he contacted her and confirmed her identity. He had no choice but to report it. Even if he didn't, he's sure the boss has a second source. He probably can't be trusted regarding this matter anymore. If he asked the boss if this girl is Lila, will he get a proper answer? He has a feeling it's her. But, there's still something off about this situation.
"Which agency are you with?" Haruka wondered out loud.
"Ah, Moonlight records," Ari replied.
...!!! Wait. What?
Moonlight records rose to fame quickly in just a year. The head is that guy. His motivation in creating the company was obvious, to steal her away. All of it adds up. There are other talents in the agency, but, this timing. His thoughts broke off when he felt her hand on his hair.
"What are you doing? ," he leaned forward slightly, "You're not seducing me, are you?"
When she touched his cheek that time, he merely let it be. Since he knew she only wanted to check on his injury. Haruka understood that she had no hidden motives. But now it's different.
"Wahhh—wah, um, I just..." Ari seemed confused.
He gently kissed the girl's fingers, and murmured, "If it's that, we can do so later at the library or even a hotel."
"No, that's--"
He doesn't have time to hear the girl's words since the double doors opened.
"Oh! So, you two came together; this is perfect."
It was old Yasuhi, beside him was a young man with unusual colored hair and eyes. He recognized the man right away.
When he saw the girl beside him rush over, he frowned.
"Get here, alright?" Soichiro asked.
"Ah," Ari leaned forward and murmured something in the man's ear.
"Oh? I see."
"Are you sure you didn't order that?"
"Now dearest, you wouldn't be left in my care if that was the case," Soichiro said with a sly smile.
Left in his care? Haruka watched the two with a mixture of different emotions,"Can we start?" he asked, impatiently.
"Of course."
That guy takes the documents from the girl and hands it to old man Yasushi, "Hmm, I see. These are the terms you wish to go with?" Yasushi said.
"She's a precious person after all," Soichiro replied.
"She is. But so is Haruka." Yasushi replied with a smile.
"What are you talking about?" He interrupted them. He didn't like how they were talking back and forth like nobody else was around.
"Haruka-kun, I'm sure you have been informed this beforehand. You'll be managing your own artist directly now." Yasushi replied.
"I have, and I heard, I'll be meeting her to--" Haruka paused, upon realizing. His eyes widened as he turned to the girl; this girl?
They must have just informed her since she walked over to him.
"Senpai's my manager?" Ari asked.
"...Yeah." he murmured, half dazed and confused.
Laughter escaped Ari's lips, "En, I like it better this way too!"
"Oh, it seems like you agree. Miss Kiku, Haruka-kun here is very unsociable, but he's an outstanding manager. I'm sure your return will be successful with him." Yasushi said.
Return?
______________________________________________
Carparking Lot
Lila couldn't believe that she gets to have Haruka-kun as her manager, that guy planned this. But she doesn't mind. Lila could use this chance to get closer to him, to get to know him better. Unlike before, she had the time to do that. Her thoughts broke off when she spotted that Haruka had waited for her. Oh!
"I'll drive you back, I am your manager now," Haruka said.
"Ah, please do."
Haruka nodded and turned to the direction of the car park. Lila hurriedly followed behind him.
It's an excellent chance to get to know him. But, she wondered if it's okay.
---------------
Earlier.
After the discussion ended, Soichiro dragged her away to talk.
"That old geezer I introduced you to, is an ally, we have to find the right opportunity to sway him to our side properly. Karashima must know that too." Soichiro said.
"Then, why did you?" Lila wondered. What is this person thinking?
"Lila. Why don't we bring Karashima Haruka over to our side?" Soichiro suggested.
"!!"
"I thought so since last year, but you're fond of him. That pisses me off, but we can use that," he said with a sly smile.
"I don't want to hurt him, "Lila said.
Soichiro shook his head and sighed, "It's either Austin Kiryu getting hurt or Karashima Haruka, make your mind up."
-----------
She wanted to get close to him, but not like this. She doesn't want to use him in this manner.
"You, maybe my talent now. But, I don't intend to stop." Haruka informed her as he backed her against the wall. This sudden action broke her thoughts as she felt her heartbeat speed up.
Thump. Thump, it's the same sound over and over, "But, is that not unprofessional?" Lila asked.
At that comment, his arms looped around her waist and he pulled her towards him — hot and hungry lips on hers, "N--no," Lila said, after being kissed for 5 minutes. She finally pulled away.
"Do I scare you?" Haruka asked.
"You don't, but..." She doesn't know what to say. But, she doesn't want it to be this way between them.
'Senpai has genuine feelings for you. '
When she recalled Mikami's words, she paused. If, he genuinely likes her. Lila wanted him to do this correctly; she wanted things to progress in the right order. Should she reveal her identity? The reason he's doing this is that he isn't aware of who she is. Harukas piercing and intense gaze had yet to leave hers, and Lila understood. She can't push him away. She won't be able to. 'How troublesome,' Lila thought. But, she has to do her best. He is part of her mission after all.