June 15th, 2035
"What?"
"N-nothing." Lila hides her face with the score sheets, sneaking small peeks at him.
Her heart is restless. Ever since that time, Haruka would appear in her dreams. At first Lila thought it would fade away after a few days time, but instead, it's only grown stronger. She can't look Haruka in the eyes these days either. What's wrong with her?
Haruka brushes his hand against her forehead.
"You're acting strange, do you want to rest?"
Seeing him so concerned, Lila quickly replied. "I—'m fine, I can keep going."
Haruka, however, was not convinced, "Were leaving for an hour."
"Sure."
Before Haruka took her hand in his and pulled her out of the room. Lila looks down at their entwined hands, gaze softened. Since when, did he start holding her hand? At the start, he used to just grab hold of her arm.
.
.
"We haven't kissed in a few days… Did you think I was avoiding you again?" Haruka asked.
"N—no.."
That's why he kissed her?
He didn't seem convinced but nodded, "I need to smoke, do you mind?"
Ah. Lila slowly nodded and Haruka pulled out a packet of cigarettes and a lighter. Come to think of it. For a while now Haruka doesn't smoke in front of her; and when he does. He asks her for permission...
"The training camp starts tomorrow. Are you ready?"
"Ah-huh.."
Haruka nodded, "Your room arrangements…"
Thump.
"You're in a dorm. But," he pressed something in her palm and she noticed immediately it was a card key, "You'll escape won't you?" he murmured against her ear.
Thump.
Thump.
"Haruka's room?" Lila shyly asked.
"Mmm." he murmured.
Lila looked at the key in her hand, "Um, do others have this key?" she asked him.
Haruka chuckled softly, "There's only two. A master key and a spare. Did you think I'd fool around with the other participants?"
So if they weren't participants, he would fool around with them? Haruka must have sensed her discomfort, since he lightly hugged her, "Relax."
"H—Haru.."
"You really are acting strange these days. I'm thinking it's to do with me again, but I can't quite figure it out."
Lila buried her face in his chest and doesn't respond. She can't tell him because he would easily misunderstand.
.
When Haruka accompanied her down, she was happy. But that happiness faded once she saw who it was; not because she wasn't glad to see him. But, she watched as Haruka expression turned to a frown. Oh no, he's unhappy again. However, she has to sort things out with senpai first. Lila rushed over.
"Senpai."
"E-wait before you say anything, I'm sorry!"
"Sorry-"
The two of them apologized at the same time, and both looked up at each other before they burst into laughter.
"We're still both silly senpai."
They really are so foolish, before she could say any more, yet.
Haruka pulled her towards him and her cheeks reddened. Um… "Did you need something from her?"
".... Why are you answering for her?" Oujiro said, irritated.
"I am her manager."
Is it her, or does she see lightning bolts between the two of them?
"You're not involved with her private affairs then."
"I am, her private affairs are mine," Haruka replied.
Thump.. thump.
Wha—what is that supposed to mean? How stupid. Noting how closely he held her though, her gaze softened. Something has changed between them, right? She really cannot deny it anymore. But she wants to meet with Kiryu first before she settles things with Haruka.
_____________________________________________
Oujiro isn't a fool.
He understood something had changed from the moment he saw her. But even then, he dismissed it.
"Karashima-San, with all due respect. Could you please stop harassing her?" Oujiro asked.
He turned to the girl with red-stained cheeks. "and you quit blushing. You'll make it worse for yourself."
"R-right," Lila replied stammering.
Geez, why is he even telling her this for? Oujiro exhaled deeply. He wonders what it is. Even though he saw them like this, he didn't feel bad. In fact, he even thought they looked good together. Something must be wrong with him. When he saw that scene before, a few days ago. He reacted so strongly. Maybe because this time around they weren't being intimate.
But really, isn't she acting strange? Oujiro's gaze landed on Lila who kept sneaking peeks at Karashima. She's acting like she's in love with him. He shook his head, it can't be. The words she said a few days back, remained firmly in his mind. There's no doubt she still has feelings for Kiryu-san.
_____________________________________________
"Have you had enough?" Haruka kindly asked her.
Seeing her struggle to form words, he reminded her, "Don't apologize. I drank a lot from you at that time."
Lila nodded, "Okay…"
She really is acting strangely. Why is she still so red? He knows she doesn't have a fever. Maybe she needs a break?
"Ari. Take a few days OFF after this."
Lila seemed surprised with his suggestion, "Eh, but the training camp."
"Don't go until I say so."
"Um, what will we be doing?" Lila asked.
"How about a boat cruise? Have you gone on one before?"
The girl's eyes sparkled as she shook her head. "Then, let's go for a while. It's fine, you're not learning anything important during the first week."
"Then, okay!" Lila exclaimed happily.
Seeing her sudden enthusiasm, he smiled softly. This is better. She's been acting way too nervous lately.
______________________________________________
12:30: H Hall Cafeteria
Did she really agree to go on a trip alone with Haruka? Ah, stupid. She was so excited when she heard the word boat cruise she answered without thinking. Is it okay to be alone with Haruka when she feels strange around him? Is it okay when she knows this strange feeling can change their relationship?
"A trip? The two of you?" Maika too seemed taken back. Lila had bumped into her earlier and the two decided to take their lunch breaks together.
Lila shyly nodded, "Um, yes."
"Are you two dating?"
She shook her head.
"Then, you're at least planning to…" Maika trailed off, "You mean, it's neither of these things and you're going with a guy who likes you…"
"..."
Maika exhaled deeply and shook her head before she murmured the word, "Careless."
"Uh.."
"Honestly, I'd advise against it. Karashima Haruka really likes you. While I don't approve of that guy's means, it's the first time I've seen him so genuine around another person." Maika said as she took a sip of her tea.
The cafeteria area was strangely empty, so Lila was not worried that someone would overhear them.
"But…" she hesitated.
"Are you hesitating because of Austin Kiryu's situation? I heard, a little."
Sensing the end of the girl's tone, Lila smiled weakly, "So you know…"
"People are saying, that you'll show up sooner or later and fly to his side. Since you two share a connection. And there are those who say you've abandoned him."
"Out of those options, which one do you believe?" Lila calmly asked her friend.
"The 1st."
"..."
Maika continued, "But I understand it's difficult for you."
"Maika-san, recently. I don't know how to act around Haruka."
"Meaning?" Maika further probed.
"I feel very nervous around him, my heart isn't settled.."
"I see, when did this start?"
Lila paused as she thought her answer through, yes. When did this start? Maybe it was long before she had those dreams. Her gaze fell on Maika-chan, the girl wasn't rushing her nor was she pressed for an answer. Her demeanour read it's up to her to decide whether she confines in her.
She took a deep breath, and for the next few minutes. Lila explained the situation to her. Besides, it's not as though she's not thinking it through, her feelings for Haruka. After what happened on the 13th that day... She finally understood, she can no longer continue to fool herself.