The fact that he did what he did so far was already a miracle. But perhaps it was because he already got far that it annoyed him when Lila punched him, "Damn it." Haruka cursed under his breath.
Lila said nothing at first before she raised her hand, but he moved it away, "I'm sorry-"
"Don't apologize...Damn it. Just leave."
He doesn't want to hear her apology. Nor does he want to see her face right now.
..............
He can't erase it, the sensation of the girl's skin on his.
Haruka realized how harsh he was after a few minutes. Haruka sets off to find her. Where did she go? She couldn't have gone far. He wandered around for a few minutes before he saw her leaning against a tree and slumped on the ground. Seeing how red she was, his eyes widened. Recalling the note she left, he clenched his fist. So she would rather choose to suffer than to stay with him? Is that how it is?
Haruka shook his head, what is he doing getting even angrier at her when he's the one at fault? Jerk is right. He's an awful person. The two of them live in entirely different worlds. He doesn't deserve her. But the more he thought that way, the more he wants her. Haruka had only been looking around for a few minutes when he finds her. Lila was huddled up into a ball, back against the tree.
He frowned, seeing her posture. She must have run out, only to feel weak moments later. He made his way over and bent down.
"Haruka.."
His eyes widened, hearing the name that escaped the girl's lips. His name? Haruka froze on the spot. Why did she call his name? Is he hearing things?
"Haruka, Haruka, please stay with me…"
Haruka hesitantly bends down, and Lila spoke again, "Haruka.."
All right, he heard it this time.
Stupid….She is ridiculous. After everything he has done, why does she want to stay with him? His gaze softens slightly; he should apologize to her, and then things can return to normal. Haruka proceeded to pick her up, only to have someone stop him.
"Don't touch her," Kouta said.
It was none other than Kanehera Kouta, "... Kanehara." Haruka frowned when he saw him. What is he doing out here when classes are on? Was he following Lila?
"This time around, I have the right."
"Hmm?"
"I've always liked her.
He thought it was something like that, but —
"I've always liked her, and that's why I understand. You'll only continue to hurt her." Despite Kanehera's small frame, he picked up the girl.
"Are you saying you can make her happy?" Haruka challenged.
"I'm not."
Haruka rolled his eyes, "Hah."
"But, I'm a better substitute than you."
At the words substitute, Haruka is not able to refute back.
______________________________________________
Mikami who watched through the window whistles. Nice. Even with, his short stature Kouta is the real man out of the three. A substitute, huh? 'He's nothing to me, Mikami, I love you.' As he recalled Kasumi's words, he paused.
Speaking of which, does that mean Kasumi is doing the same with that guy? A deep sigh escaped his lips, such a dangerous way of thinking. It makes no sense at all. But he can't help thinking about it. Exactly what drove Kasumi to a corner?
She never disclosed the details to him and when Igarashi came here. He was vague about it. Lila-chan, she probably knows. There's no way Igarashi would not tell her, and when she met with Kasumi too. Is he the only one in the dark about "her" affairs? The only one who knows nothing?
It's no good; unless he's with her. Unless he's able to see her every day, it's simple to sink into deep and depressing thoughts like this; unless he can touch her with his hands, he can't stop his unease. How does he know for sure that she is indeed his? As he made his way down the hall though, he caught a glimpse of blonde staring outside the window. As Mikami got closer, he found Yumeko staring at the scene he was looking at moments ago. But her gaze remained fixed on Haruka-senpai.
….
Part of the reason he became her good friend, was because of her brother's request.
....
---
Two years ago.
"You want me to act as a substitute?" Mikami asked.
The blonde nodded and reassured him, "You don't have to worry about her falling for you. That won't happen."
"Well, I hope not. If I hurt Yumeko, you'd kill me."
Kouta nodded in agreement, "Of course."
"And so?"
'I'll tell you; it's a sad and long tale."
...
----
When Mikami heard what happened, he can't say he didn't want to get further involved. After all, a situation like this is far tricky. He didn't think it would be that bad. It's no wonder, despite her usual cheerful self. Yumeko, from time to time gets that look on her face.
Mikami watched though as Lila-chan reached out for Haruka-senpai.
"...Tsk. So foolish."
"..."
___________________________________________________
Light Academy Main Building Infimary
"Don't laugh."
Lila, however, continued laughing, as she replied with a beaming smile on her face. Her smile caught him off guard slightly, and he looked away. After admitting that to Karashima, Kouta is somewhat embarrassed. He's not sure and yet seeing the girl in such a weakened condition because of Karashima. Kouta knew he had to step up.
"Aha, I didn't think you'd be good at cooking!"
Kouta sighed, "Because Yumeko eats unhealthy. Someone has to learn how to balance nutrition in making meals."
"Can I eat it now?"
"Go ahead."
"Yummy!!!"
He didn't want to destroy the mood while she was happily eating. But, he won't get another chance than this.
"That guy will only continue to do bad things to you. If you, really want nothing to happen..!" Kouta exclaimed.
Lila shook her head, "...I knew..I was scared, that was the first time I've seen Haruka like that. No, make it the second. Last year, something similar happened."
"..I heard."
"Kouta-kun, tell me when you said those words to me in the studio. Did they come from your heart?"
"They did, but at the same time, I based it on a few things I was previously informed. Akari, she..." he chooses his words carefully, "She told me a lot."
Lila nodded, "Ah-huh, I figured...Akari seemed to trust you."
Is that the reason she trusts him then? No, even she understands that's not it; indeed Lila quickly follows up, "But, even if Akari didn't. I can see it in your eyes. You're a person filled with such honesty. Someone whose gaze is filled with strength."
"I said you could rely on me."
Lila smiled softly, "En, I remember."
"For this matter…"
She shook her head, "I have to handle this myself. Did you know Kouta-kun? Part of the reason why I chose this town was Haruka-kun. That's why I have to be the one to handle this. Thank you for worrying about me. But I'll be fine. Haruka-kun knows who I am and yet he respects my identity. Haruka-kun doesn't dislike me. He's just hurt."
"But the decision was painful for ---" his sentence is cut short when she placed her fingers to his lips. His eyes widened as she whispered softly,"Thank you Kouta-kun, you really are kind."
___________________________________________________
When she woke up, Kouta-kun is gone, but she feels warm hands on her hair and caressing her cheeks. Lila felt very comfortable and leaned on to the palm of the person. "You're...as weird as ever."
Noticing who it belonged to, Lila pulled away immediately. H--Haruka-kun. Oh, that's why it was so comfortable, "Ah, um.," she said.
"Feeling better?" he asked.
"Yes. It was just a slight fever.." Lila lied to him. Her severe fever hasn't disappeared yet. But, she doesn't want to trouble him any further.
"You should take a break."
"Ah, um I rested already."
Haruka shook his head, "From meeting with me." Eh? What? Lila did not get a chance to voice her thoughts out since he harshly said, "I've been dragging you around this whole time, and you've been following me around like a little puppy. Well, in short, you don't have to be my lapdog any longer. You're free to do what you want. Rather, do you not have anything better to do than spend time with the guy who is only after your body? Unless that's what you want from me too."
'You have to make sure you're not too emotionally invested. Is taking Karashima Haruka as your subject wise?'
. . . Ameno-senpai.
It's exactly as he said. It wasn't a wise decision at all.
This person is far too cruel. Before she knew it, she raised her hand.
___________________________________________________
What the hell? Why on earth did she hit him for? Isn't that better for her? To be with them? He doesn't get it at all. Still, his gaze dimmed. She may have sung that one time, but there's no chance she can continuously do so. It feels like it will become increasingly difficult for her, to sing.
He took something out of his bag and exhaled deeply. The guys in RAY won't cut it. Even, he understood that much. But, arranging this meeting right away wouldn't work either.
He shut his eyes and recalled the girl's words from a few months back.
'Let's figure it out together.'
. . . . . .