That incidence caused a friction, a wall around the people around her. Even with the power of her family, they weren't able to completely able to dispose of the rumours. And what about the families of those children she hurt? They were normal people. Individuals not involved in this power struggle and yet they got dragged into it because of her. She remembered it all too well, their angry voices, their hostile gazes and one word. 'Monster.' Everyone became afraid of her.
It did not help how she seldom smiled or spoke, so it simply made her situation worse. At the start she was alone but after she met him, that changed. When she met Austin Kiryu, even the loneliness she felt and the pain, simply turned into bubbles and faded away. Perhaps it was because Kiryu was similar, no even she knew.
From the moment they met, Kiryu never lost control of his powers. This person is normal, he's different from her and yet his deep gaze was filled with the same pain as her. Later on, she met that person, Ichinose Oujiro. Like Kiryu, he didn't fear her, he treated her like a normal girl.
But he was different, unlike the two of them he was filled with a bright light not darkness.
"Isn't it time you all surrender?"
Lila was getting far too tired with this game, it was clear as day that nobody in their little group actually stood a chance. As she said those words, the remaining individuals appeared before her. Due to cloak, she could not see their faces. However, one was different than the rest. The person stood in the center.
"Terashima Lila."
"What?"
"Do you mean to continue fighting this meaningless fight?"
What is this person saying, "You're the ones who keep attacking me."
The person remains quiet before pointing to something, realizing that the person was pointing at her hand. Lila looked at her palm and noticed that the mist and black blood seemed to try to consume her hand.
"..."
"If you, carry on using your powers in the manner you have then you will die quickly. For our group, someone such as yourself does not belong in this world. However, someone like yourself is very rare."
"What are you trying to get at?"
"Come with us."
Eh? "Are you kidding me…?" Lila was startled, she didn't expect this. After all, they've been trying to kill her this whole time. What's more, she can tell. There's no darkness around this person. There's no malice in their words or actions too.
The cloaked figure shook their head and took a step forward, "Come with us, come with me. You will not suffer in the new world we are trying to create."
Lila hesitated slightly. Exactly who is their master? Perhaps it's different than the ones who hurt Kiryu? She shook her head quickly, it can't be. She can't be this trusting. Lila raised her hand, the mist covered her body once again.
"Leave."
...….
Lila slumped to the ground, of course, they didn't leave easily. She exhaled deeply. How bothersome... That person, who was it? That voice seemed so familiar...she managed to stand up again with the help of her blade. She looked at the surroundings and pulled out her phone, as she typed a quick message to Soichiro. He can deal with this.
"Takeshi."
Black hair emerged from the shadows of the trees.
"You had it under control." He commented.
Indeed she did. Though she could tell that he clearly wanted to interfere, she sent him a signal so he wouldn't go near.
Lila nodded, she felt her knees go weak and Takeshi rushed over, "Princess Lila?"
"I'm alright."
she assured him.
She's alright, this pain. It's nothing in contrast to the pain he is suffering. Her Kiryu.
"Princess Lila?"
"I want to see Kiryu..." Lila murmured. She's so tired, she's so exhausted. She wants to go back home. She wants to be with Kiryu and everyone, she doesn't want to do this anymore.
"You'll see him soon.."
.
.
Indoor Gym: 2 PM
"Why is Yumeko so excited?" Lila asked.
Since gym started an hour ago, the girl had been strangely enthusiastic. Even though, normally she would be exhausted by this time. For people like Yumeko who use up a lot of their energy daily, just by speaking. They tend to get exhausted by this time in the day.
Ruka sweatdropped, "She was talking about becoming Light academy's star gymnastics."
"Star?"
"The first round of the competition is a group battle stage. There's a song Yumeko has her eye on that requires you to be really flexible.."
"Ah-huh, but someone who wasn't flexible this whole time, suddenly trying out drastic moves will…." Lila doesn't get a chance to finish her sentence when a huge yelp was heard.
"--end up like that…"
Ruka laughed, "Well, I did say something similar. I'm sporty, so to a certain degree I'm flexible."
"Ouch, ouch!!"
Her thoughts broke off when she noticed that Haruka was making his way over. Ah…
"Go to the infirmary."
"I--I don't have to."
"Don't be stubborn."
"..You can't tell me."
"Yumeko."
!!
At that comment, her eyes widened. Oh, so she really wasn't imagining things. There really is something between them. Something… But Yumeko isn't like those normal girls. "Yumeko aside, Ari-chan, why is your leg bleeding?"
"Ah--that's---"
Before she could finish her sentence, she found herself being lifted off the ground. The other girls in her class started squealing, as Haruka carried her bridal style. Lila's cheeks reddened, "H--Haruka? Put me down.."
"Infirmary. I'll take you there," he said softly.
Sensing his tone, Lila simply buried her face in his chest. She can't say no if he's talking to her like that. This person is really filled with contradictions. But she's gradually learning a lot about him, and yet her heart aches. She wants to see Kiryu, she wants to be held by Kiryu again. She's really sorry Haruka.
.
.
No sooner had they gotten to the infirmary though. Haruka backed her against the wall and bends down. As she felt the contact of his lips on hers, her eyes widened. "Nmmmgh...??"
she said startled. What is he doing? What is he doing?
Lila raised her hand to slap him.
"We have a deal." she reminded him.
Haruka simply sighed, "I wasn't going to do anything."
"Liar!"
The next few moments were silent, and Lila wanted nothing more than to leave. If it wasn't for the wound on her leg, she would have easily done so. She needs to get far away from this person, whenever she's near him...
Haruka suddenly spoke up, "...Is there something you need to tell me?"
Lila looked away, ashamed.
He cupped her cheeks, "Lila."
"I--I'm sorry Ha-- Haruka... It's just.."
'The two of you are enemies. Don't forget that.' As she recalled Soichiro's warning, she clenched her fist. It's not as though she's forgotten, she just...
"Your mine. Did you forget?"
"I'm not yours!" Lila exclaimed.
"..Really?"
Don't... Don't look at her like that. She doesn't belong to him. She's Kiryu's. Haruka sighed and turned around towards the filing cabinet, "Sit down, I'll get something to treat your wounds.."
…He's in pain, why is she getting angry at him for?
Lila slumped her head on his back, "...Don't be angry…"
"I'm not."
"Ah-huh, then it's just me sulking."
"I understand."
She wishes he didn't, she wishes that Haruka didn't understand. If he was just some random guy who didn't know about her and Kiryu, she could have easily turned him down already. But because he knows, he knows and yet still continues to pursue her. He's a really big fool.