Just hearing the words, "I love you." has always been enough to move her to tears. But she understood that if anyone else besides Kiryu says it, the feelings evoked would be different.
Lila turned around then, tears falling from her eyes at a rapid speed.
Kiryu brushed his fingers against her eyelids, as he gently wiped her tears, "Mm, Like I said you're prettier when you cry."
"Stupid."
"Happy?"
Really, he's stupid. Her Kiryu is.
"Yes..."
A gentle smile appeared on his face, as he pulled her into his embrace, "Get some sleep, there's time in the morning. So we can have breakfast together and take a walk."
But afterwards, they'd part again.
She doesn't want that.
"You know Kiryu; I thought you were cheating on me.." Lila brought up.
"Hey, hey, bringing this up right as we are about to sleep. Don't you trust me My Lila?"
"I trust you my Kiryu. But not your resistance to girls."
Kiryu's kind. If he sees someone in trouble, he won't hesitate to help them. That is the sort of person he is.
Kiryu exhaled deeply, "Well, I'm this way because of you."
Because of her?
"I guess I can explain it another time. My Lila, believe in me. I'll only ever love you."
Lila asked him, "Why me Kiryu?"
Kiryu did not hesitate to reply, "Why not you Lila?"
"Etto, don't direct my question with another...Do you, do you really love me Kiryu? Really; love me?"
"Mmm, rather, I can't love anyone else. I prioritize you, even over my parents you know?"
"Over family?" Lila repeated.
"You're my family too, aren't you my wife?"
"Wife. Wife!! Wah, she likes the sound of that. She hasn't heard it in so long.
"But, hmm seeing this I want to know. If I had someone else, what would you do?"
"That would be impossible Kiryu." Even though she always got jealous, she understood full well that Kiryu couldn't like anyone else. Even, the kindness he showed Rosalia-chan, that made her feel so insecure. "I'm so cute and silly, why would you like anyone else?"
Laughter escaped her Kiryu's lips, and she puffed her cheeks into a pout, "I'm serious!"
"I know. I know, I can't wait to marry you. I can't wait till you're officially my wife."
Wife.
She liked to hear it.
A long time has passed since she last heard it. Is that why her heart is beating so fast now? Kiryu still loves her, though they've both changed and have been apart from each other for 21 days.
The feelings Kiryu has for her haven't wavered once, she could tell from his actions and words. She's happy.
Kiryu kissed her forehead gently, before he softly murmured, "Sleep now, my wife."
"Okay!"
But, her heart's beating so fast.
How is she supposed to sleep?
...….
22nd April. 5:00 am.
It was like finding an enchanted garden as you see in fairy tales. The entire place covered in greenery, several tall trees surrounding the area. In the center was a broad path, leading to the lake area. Seeing a small hut on the other side, Lila made her way there. Along the way, she passed by several bushes filled with different roses and stopped to appreciate them — how pretty.
After taking a few photographs, Lila made her way over and settled down, before she started to sing. The song that left her lips was, 'Kaleidoscope shard.'
"You came crashing down like a comet in my life.
Completely unexpected.
But, like a kaleidoscope shard of beautiful colors.
You brought a different sort of light in my life...."
From the bottom of her heart, she wanted to sing this song on the competition stage. The decision she made wasn't easy either, to replace the song she was initially working on for Kiryu, with this song for Haruka. But Haruka doesn't want the situation to be exposed. For someone who claimed to love her, he doesn't want her to sing about him.
When she first heard his response, it surprised her, and she ended up feeling hurt. What was she expecting? The two of them have no sort of relationship with each other. That's why, one last time. She will sing this song in this beautiful place, so she can seal the lid on the feelings she was going for when she wrote this.
Also, Haruka will probably try to distance himself from her now after she broke her promise with him and bailed on him to meet with Kiryu. She doubted things could return to normal after what happened.
Her singing broke off when she felt warm arms wrapped around her from the back.
"Kiryu, good morning.."
"Mmmph.."
Lila laughed softly at his response, "Kiryu if you're still sleepy, go back to sleep."
"I'm fine, can't lose my time to flirt with you."
Her gaze softened at his words that's right.
"What were you singing?"
"My audition song."
Kiryu seemed startled for a second, but nodded. "I see."
"But, it's okay. I'll stick to the original."
"No, I was just a bit surprised. It's fine if you change it."
Lila shook her head. "This is okay.."
Kiryu seemed unconvinced, so she continued.
"You see Kiryu; I knew from the start that it would end up this way. No matter how close I get to Haruka, no matter what we do. All it takes is a single meeting. But when we're far apart, I'm so uneasy. I'm lonely..."
"Say no more. I get it. Sssh, it will be okay."
"Kiryu, but..."
"Do you, not like Karashima little?"
"To be honest, I think I do. But I love you Kiryu that hasn't changed at all." She trailed off, "Kiryu, do you remember what I told you? When we were celebrating my victory on the rooftop."
"You said you wanted to build a better future with me."
"Yes. Did anyone tell you yet?" Lila asked.
"They did. Are you serious?"
Lila nodded, "It's like...I know for the longest time, I've been avoiding my responsibilities as the second heiress to my family. So it may be strange that I suddenly want to take over..But. I want to create a future with you. I want to be with you..."
She wants to be with him so much.
His lips made their way to her hair before he trailed down and kissed her neck from the back, "So, you're laying down the foundation for when you become my wife?"
Her cheeks reddened at his words, "Don't ruin the moment."
"I apologize madam. But aren't you extending your proposal?"
"You're stupid."
"Lila."
Sensing his serious tone, she shyly looked down but placed her hand on top of his and closes her eyes as a gust of wind blew, the sound of the leaves rustling, in their surroundings. It's peaceful, being here like this with Kiryu.
If possible, she would like to spend more time with him. However, she received a message from Asuka-san earlier. Only a short amount of time left. "Tell me Kiryu; you said...nothing going on with that assistant girl."
"Yeah."
"But, your wording..."
Kiryu exhaled deeply in understanding, "Tell me, Lila, what sort of person do you think I am?"
Eh?
Why is he asking that?
"You're a kind person."
"Be more specific." Kiryu urged her and Lila thinks for a minute.
"You're a kind and gentle person. People misunderstand your kindness at a glance because they aren't accustomed to it because of the image you portray. Your very loyal to your friends and those you care about, and as for love. Even though your clumsy, you've always treasured the girl you love..."
Lila realized what she just said, and Kiryu turned her around, hugging her tighter as he murmured against her ear, "And the one is the center of my affection, the one who has my heart is you. It's a girl called Terashima Lila."
Lila felt her eyes well up with tears.
"We, won't be able to meet or talk very often. After tonight, it's even riskier. We will have to be careful with this matter for a while. But, believe me when I say this. You're the only one who has my heart Lila; you're the only one I'll let in."
Kiryu.
Kiryu, she's happy.
Kiryu cupped her cheeks, and raised her head, "So, my Lila. I want a reply."
Re—reply? What does he want a reply for?
"Where's my I love you?"
After he said that, Lila understood, he's sly and so sneaky. He didn't even mention it to her, but the words he said is more than equivalent. Kiryu is a tease. But this is the person, the person she fell in love with. Cheeks burning, as she shyly replied, "I love you, Kiryu."
When his lips contacted hers, Lila doesn't protest despite her embarrassment. She's probably red to the tip of her ears. Her hair is probably messy, and she isn't wearing anything pretty, just her night clothing. But none of that mattered, this kiss with Kiryu was one of the most beautiful moments she has had in her whole life.