A few days later. RX World Studio
It's been a while since he was last late for a job. A deep sigh escaped his lips, what is he doing sleeping in now of all days? It was probably because of that nightmare.
Kasumi, he wants to see her so much.
He wants to go to France.
When he first heard the news, sure it shocked him. He froze completely and remained that way for a long time. His mind was blank, and he really couldn't think straight. Everyone, he's causing everyone to worry. Since then, it feels like his sanity is slipping away.
Even Igarashi's worrying about him.
Igarashi is leaving soon; he ought to focus on Lila-chan. Surely that's the main reason he came here. But whenever he gets the chance, he always asks about his well being. Stop. Stop. He already knows. It's not Igarashi who is concerned; it's her. Mikami, figured out that since it happened so suddenly. There may be a reason behind it. But even then, even then he —
"Hamano-kun!" a familiar voice called out. Mikami turned and spotted blue hair.
"You had work here Ari-chan?"
"Ah-huh,"
So, his female partner today is Lila?
For someone who was so reluctant about leaving her alone with him, senpai sure pulled some strings.
___________________________________________________
As she thought, Hamano-kun is a good person! Even though, she wasn't used to the type of shoot. He silently helped guide her, with nobody noticing. Lila decided to go off and find Haruka since she finished work earlier than expected. After asking around, she went to one of the empty rooms upstairs and indeed spotted him there.
"Sen-" She paused, recognizing the woman who he was with.
Oh, that woman is--? Haruka was sat down with Sophia on his lap, arms wrapped around his neck. Sophia removed the remaining buttons on Haruka's shirt.
"Stop it."
Sophia smiled, "I've been worried about you. I lent you some cash that time, and you disappeared for a while~"
"You said it before, that you won't kiss and have sex with me anymore." Haruka looked bothered.
"That was before your pet came along."
"A pet, huh? I guess I got myself a cute one."
...........
Lila slipped away undetected and return to their previous meeting place. After a while, Haruka came but...
"S—senpai?" she didn't expect him to suddenly burry his face in her chest; it embarrassed her. They're close again.
"You're still wearing the costume." Haruka murmured.
"Ah, they asked for some additional."
"Solo shots?" Haruka asked.
Lila nodded.
"Sounds good."
Lila asked, "It's okay?"
A small murmur, "Yeah." But Lila understood it was the confirmation sign.
"Thank you!" Lila replied happily.
Haruka tugged on the skirt part, and she laughed softly. Does he like it?
"So, why do you want to do more work?"
"Aha. I like this dress, so I wanted to wear it for a bit longer!! ," Lila admitted. She hasn't worn such clothes in a long time, so even if it was just for a little while she wanted to keep on wearing it.
"Looks good." And in the next second, she was kissed.
!!
He did it so quickly that she didn't even have time to remark. The sudden kiss marks left above her breasts.
"Wh—why did you leave kiss marks?!!" Lila exclaimed.
"Seems like I get jealous easily," Haruka said.
"Dummy, why would I fall for him?"
He's Kasumi's after all.
Besides, she's Kiryu's. The only one who has an actual chance is you, idiot… She wonders what this person wanted from her. "Become my woman Ari."
"No."
"I wonder, can you reject me for long?" he muttered against her lips. He didn't wait for her reply and kissed her.
His kisses make her feel so hot and so dizzy.
"Can you resist?"
She will.
She will see Kiryu soon after all.
But, 'I want to celebrate your birthday with you.' Even though she said she would go to Kiryu without hesitation before, deep down she was slightly doubtful.
___________________________________________________
When Ari-chan returned with senpai, flushed cheeks, and a slightly disheveled appearance. Mikami puts two and two together. He chuckled, "Senpai, you need to stop pouncing on her."
"We haven't had sex though."
Huh? It's true he briefly heard something along those lines earlier, but he misunderstood the context. So, these two, really haven't.
"I—'m going."
Wow. To think senpai has left Lila-chan untouched. He must like her a lot. "Tell me, Mikami, normally they'd give you clothes after the shoot.." Haruka started.
"Huh? Yeah, they always say we can pick a few." A model and idols appearance in private is important after all.
"I got it."
… Does senpai like her in that dress? It's a cute style though.
"Also, you know about what girls like. What sorts of things do you think she'd like?"
"Senpai, are you planning for her birthday?"
A tint of red appeared on the maroon-haired man's face, and Mikami whistled, "If you're going to make a move on her, that occasion is perfect."
"No, I won't touch her yet. She still loves Austin Kiryu."
.. …
Senpai has changed a lot. Ever since he met Terashima Lila. This girl, there's something about her that draws people in. From the moment he met her, he understood it. The reason why Kasumi, even Kiryu-san and Shichiro are drawn to her. There's something about her that's different from any average person. But that something is different for every individual.
Still, he recalled what the girl said to him earlier. Senpai will be sadly disappointed. Still, he has a feeling it will be her. She will be the one to help senpai.
....
"Hamano-kun, Hamano-kun. What did you and senpai talk about?" Lila asked.
"Hm? He said he wanted to get that dress for you."
"D—did he say for what?"Lila stammered.
He might as well test her. "For your birthday," Mikami commented.
The girl's expression fell, "Ah…"
"I heard just now, though I encouraged you earlier. I feel bad for senpai."
"Tell me Hamano-kun, does...senpai not have anyone else?"
"He doesn't."
Lila nodded and was quiet for a few minutes. He respected her silence and waited. "Kiryu made new friends. The one he's fond of the most is a girl. If, I chose senpai. He'll only choose me." Lila spoke up, a frown appearing on her face.
"I see; that's what's on your mind."
She's like Kasumi, not like any normal girl. Any normal girl would want their lover only to be kind to them, to just pay attention to them. As he thought this, he heard the sound of the girl's phone. Since he was beside her, he caught a glimpse of the message.
From: Kiryu.
---
I'm free during lunch.
Let us chat then
I want to touch you
But, hearing your voice
is enough for now.
--
"Uwaah, so cheesy! Need to reply, reply."
This love triangle really will be a mess. But, he ought to focus on his own situation.
..........
Unused Conference Room
That's strange, isn't Igarashi supposed to be here? Though, he didn't willingly want to come here to look. Lila-chan insisted that they spoke. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he sat down and waited. Spoke? Spoke about what? What could the two of them possibly talk about? About Kasumi? He heard that Igarashi followed Kasumi to France.
But, right now that guy must have it worse than him. Imagine, being right by her side but having another guy take her. That guy probably has it worst. But, what use will it do, them discussing their sadness with each other? His thoughts broke of catching a glimpse of a familiar phone on the table.
Isn't that.
Eventually, Mikami stood up. He must make sure. When he approached the table, he immediately catches the name on the chat. Kasumi. He was talking to Kasumi, so maybe they are okay? Even though Kasumi got a boyfriend? That makes little sense.
From: Kasumi
________________
Please Wataru.
I know it's too much too
ask. But, I want to make
sure, Mikami is eating correctly.
Lately, he looks really
pale.
Maybe it's lack of sleep too?
________________
Mikami's eyes widened seeing the contents of the message.
.. Is she an idiot?
It surprised him how natural he picked up the phone and replied. He should have been more hesitant, maybe he was. Perhaps he was trying to act tough. But, his fingers were already tapping the send button.
_________________
I'm fine, idiot.
Worry about your boyfriend.
____________________
A second pass.
Maybe, two, or three.
He doesn't keep track of time. Instead, he's keeping track of the pounding sound in his heart.
From: Kasumi
_______________
M—Mikami?!
______________
Seeing the emoji, he exhaled deeply. He runs his hand through his hair before replying again — just one word.
______________
. Idiot.
_____________
From: Kasumi
Mikami, I—I want to… I want
to see you again.
_______________
_______________
Why?
____________
From: Kasumi
Mikami, I still love you.
Please believe me.
____________________
Does she still love him? But, she has a boyfriend? How is it possible?
Seeing the call, Mikami blinked. Huh? He lets it ring a few more times before he hesitantly picked up the phone.
"Idiot, why didn't you answer right away. I do still love you."