"Kouta, do you like Austin Akari?" Takahiro asked.
"Maybe? I don't get it myself."
It was clear the favor she asked of him was troublesome, and yet he agreed to it, for god knows why. But, it's just, "She's more fragile than I thought she would be."
It's hard to say who he is referring to now though. If, Takahiro asked him before. He might have even said yes.
'Kou-kun, please ---'
'-please help ---'
But now, Kouta paused as he recalled the warmth of the girl in his arms when he hugged her. That one is more fragile than he thought.
..........
The last thing he expected was to see her again so soon. Seeing who she was with though, Kouta exhaled deeply knowingly. He must have found out and taken her away.
"Kouta-kun!" Lila cheerfully called out to him.
Unlike earlier, she wore a beaming smile on her face — no trace of that gloomy expression from before.
"Hello." He greeted her back.
"Good timing, I discussed it with senpai. But what do you think?"
Seeing what the girl held in her hands, he paused. Huh? Several sheets of paper with drawings of a float.
"Isn't that supposed to be?"
"Yumeko-chan told me I could do it this year. These days she seems busy with something."
Is his sister refusing to design the class float? Since elementary school, that girl has been the only one doing it. Odd. He doesn't want to over-think it; maybe she's practicing in secret again. However, he can't shake this bad feeling. It's okay, Yumeko's recovered a lot since that time.
"I'd get rid of these, or at least move them to a place that..."
"Hmm, I see."
"Since when were you two close?"
The girl who had just gotten grabbed laughed softly, "Were only friends dummy."
"Who says you can be friends with other men? What if they have strange intentions towards you?"
"D—don't be stupid."Lila stuttered.
...Come to think of it; this is the first time he properly sees the two interact. So, this is how she acts around Karashima? It's different.
"Make the changes he said, and also this.."
"Ah!! I get it. En, I agree."
Kouta joined the two at the table. When he saw the scattered documents and laptop, he blinked. Oh, that's right. Even though it doesn't suit his playboy-like image. Karashima is terrific at his work. He's busy, but he went not only to pick her up. But he's even supervising her work.
"You look better now."Kouta pointed out, as he picked up one sheet and examined the design.
"T—that.."
"I gave her some medicine, "Karashima stated flatly.
. . Well, that makes sense. Karashima has knowledge in that field. But, why is she so red? She really is strange.
But, even though she's like this now. He recalls what happened earlier and exhales deeply. It's difficult to get a read on her, huh? But he supposes that's fine. He really meant what he said about wanting to get to know her properly. There's still plenty of time to do that isn't there? Why does it feel like time will run out?
_________________________________________________
21st April 2035, Rokojo Hotel. Ballroom (Universal S Town)
In Universal Star Town, a private ball is being held by the wealthiest members of society the Austin Family. A certain man with silver hair wearing formal attire stood there and watched the situation escalate with his eyes. His Mother entered the ballroom a few moments ago - and her appearance shocked the socialities. Though rumors have floated around for weeks because his adopted father Austin Hisame shut down the news and kept Mother away. Nobody knew the exact situation.
For the last few minutes, gossip passed the other peoples lips, leading to a deep sigh passed his lips. Well, it would be strange if they could keep it a secret for much longer. Mother's showed signs of being pregnant for a while now. But even then, those signs can be brushed off as normal sickness. However, his gaze landed on his mother who walked in his direction with a few female maids behind her.
She greeted him with a hug, though it is unlike her, as she asked, "Not at the company today?"
"Hisame-san told me to show my face since I've been doing well."
"I see."
"Mother, I have something I need to confirm.."
The lilac hair older woman nodded, and she gazed at the female maids. After instructing them to wait in the distance, she slumped on the sofa he had been sitting on.
"The rumors.."
"I can't really hide it, so I'll come clean. Think you can be an older brother?"
"Maybe. Hoshiko really likes me."
His mother laughed, "Children have 6th senses. They know who is kind. Well, at least according to Sumire."
Kind, huh?
"The kid's father."
"Eita."
She admitted it so easily.. Then again, mothers not the type to hide anything if she's confronted about it. The reason nobody knows the truth yet is that nobody has the nerve to ask her directly.
. .... Though, it's the old man? He wanted a plot twist.
"Tell me, do you still dislike him? For what happened in the past."
. ...
He wasn't expecting her to ask him this.
Then again, it's been a long time since they've last had a proper chat. He knew though that a few hours after Lila had gone, and he almost lost control. It was his mother who stopped him even though she's pregnant. How dangerous. He has to be careful; he didn't want to affect those around him.
Maybe he should answer her question, Mothers gone through a lot because of his foolishness, yet she's never complained even once. Before Kiryu could say any more there, the voices of the crowd drew their attention.
"Wow! Even Honjo-san came. "
"Naturally he would. After all--"
At that comment, Mother immediately got up. No sooner had she done so, someone was approaching them not too far away. This guy attracts too much attention for someone who is apparently retired.
"Captain."
"It's been awhile Asuka-kun."
There are three types of people. Ones you get along with, your most beloved person and someone you're awful with. The last one doesn't have to be hate too, it probably just because you can't get along with them. That latter part applies to this person his mother is greeting. The Navy blue hair man's eyes meet his.
"Oh? Your son is here too."
"Lately he's been helping Hisame out a lot."
"Is that so?"
He clearly knew that! When Kiryu found out that the one who had secretly been watching him was a member of HYOU4 and not the enemy. He understood even before the guy said it. 'The retired supreme captain's orders..'