Y Studios, April 2035
Since the time they text each other, even though it was risky. The two of them have tried to keep up the communication. Lila was still overwhelmed that she could speak with him again, that she failed to speak about important matters. But that was fine for her, Lila knew they could not speak about things properly this way, anyway. Lila waited for Haruka to finish speaking with some people patiently. Today they were in Y Studios to do some modeling work. As she waited, Lila noticed the flash on her phone and immediately took it out.
From: Kiryu
I want to take you home.
You're so beautiful.
Hah.
I give in. Guys are probably
flirting with you over there.
Karashima's your manager too.
So many words!!! But Uwaah, a jealous Kiryu! She wanted to see what sort of expression he has now.
From: Lila
[Send Pic]
From: Kiryu
Idiot.
What are you doing
trying to turn me on,
when were apart?
From: Lila
Kiryu's just a dummy.
Am I pretty?
Lila noticed there was a pause in between the message sent and frowned slightly, when — she received another message.
From: Kiryu
Beautiful.
"Oi, what are you doing? We're going to be late."
"Ah--right! " Lila quickly closed her phone and rushed over to Haruka-kun's side. She managed to have a small conversation with Kiryu, she's happy. Lila is glad that he saw the performance too. She wondered what he thought of it though. Yumeko-chan had nothing but flattery for her and yet told her. 'It was amazing and yet, I wonder, something was missing.'
Missing.
In her singing?
It's been a long time since someone last said to her. Perhaps she's not in top shape since it's been awhile. Her thoughts broke of feeling hungry and passionate lips on hers.
"Nnghh."
"You, who were you texting? Making such a happy face." Haruka mumbled.
"Ah, un…. Mnn." Lila moaned.
Haruka smiled and mumbled, "I'm becoming so possessive, were at work too. I shouldn't be making moves on you, but I like you."
Lila drew back from his lips quickly, even if the kisses meant nothing and were devoiced of all emotion romance-wise. She still didn't think it was wise to get too close. Still, Lila caressed his hair, as she asked, "Are you tired senpai?"
Haruka shook his head, and casually replied with, "Fine. I never used to get much sleep, anyway. And I don't think I need much sleep either when we start dating."
Wh—why, why, is he so convinced of that? Idiot.
....
Later on the day
For the last few minutes, Hamano Mikami was not able to stop laughing. "It's not funny Hamano-kun!"
"Isn't it? Senpai is so taken with you that he loses track of his surroundings. He wouldn't have made such a mistake in the past."
Lila doesn't know what to say in return and silently drank her shake.
"Anyhow, are you settling in properly?" Mikami asked and quickly apologised. "Sorry, we left you to senpai's hands. Even though we're supposed to be looking after you, we've all been rather busy. That idiot still hasn't come back from filming either."
"En! I'm settling it..." she trailed off, "Ah um, Hamano-kun. I have a question."
She brought up that girl, and a hum escaped the midnight blue hair man's lips.
"That girl, huh? You say she doesn't like you?"
"Um, she keeps saying mean things. I'm ignoring it, but Yumeko-chan keeps getting angry."
Lila didn't want to cause any more problems, so she tried to get to the bottom of this.
"She was senpai's favourite second year; he'd see and ask for her often."
Mikami explained.
Ah.
"Well, that was previously."
Lila looked down in understanding. Mikami-kun implied that Haruka-kun changed because of her.
"So, that's why."
"Probably, though I don't get why she would be so upset. It's not like senpai isn't seeing her anymore. If she acts this way now, then imagine what happens when senpai stops."
That's right, Haruka-kun is still fooling around with other girls. It's part of her job to help him restart his life. But, how is she supposed to get him to stop? 'If it comes down to it, just sacrifice yourself.' She recalled Ameno-senpai's words, and shook her head; she can't do that.
Lila saw the look in his eyes, a sudden wash of sadness appeared. Oh, "Hamano-kun, um, about Kasumi."
"I'm fine."
But, he doesn't look beautiful. Lila thought so when she first came here, but Hamano-kun looked slightly different now. He's skinnier, paler and always has dark circles in his eyes. Though she's been so caught up with Haruka-kun, she hasn't forgotten about the guys in Ray.
'If it's you Lila-chan, you'll be just fine.' Dai-chan said to her, but she wondered if there's anything she can do without it looking like she's intervening too much.
Mikami-kun left and fetched Yumeko-chan and the others. Instead of staying put, however, Lila wandered into one of the empty practice rooms. Is it okay to use it right? Even without music, Lila danced. Like Ameno-senpai said before. Dancing helps relieve stress. After Lila danced for a few minutes, she caught a glimpse of forest green hair by the dpor and stopped.
"Wataru! Wah, really?!!"
"Calm down; you'll trip," Wataru said. This person is none other than Igarashi Wataru, one of her dearest friends.
A member of the male idol group the GOD5.
Lila laughed, "Aha! But, I haven't seen you in so long. I'm happy."
Wataru smiled softly and walked over, "I showed up at your agency earlier and was surprised to run into Karashima. He told me you'd be here today."
Ah, so he was at the agency in the morning. Haruka should have just told her. Why did he have to act so secretive about it?
"So Karishma's your manager?"
Lila nodded, "Ah-huh, producer too."
"You're not worried at all about strange rumours spreading are you."
"Aha, thanks."
Wataru shook his head, "I wasn't complimenting you. Even the girls who like Karashima know better than to be his artist. Strange rumours will start without fail after all."
"But, rumours are just rumours. Haruka-kun is very kind." Lila argued back.
"Did you fall for him already?" Wataru asked.
Lila frantically shook her head. It's not love or anything like that. She just wanted to stay close to him. "Um, about my Kiryu...Can you tell me how he is?"
Wataru... responded by handing her a newspaper. Lila read the words on bold writing. It was hard to miss.
Austin Kiryu
Out of hiatus: Finally, release a new single
"When you left, it hit him hard; he was supposed to release this before you left too. But, he wanted to spend every single moment before you left with you." Wataru explained.
"Um, what kind of song is it?"
Lila asked.
"A love song for you."
Uwaaaaahhhh! "D--don't tease me." Lila stammered, fully aware that her whole face had turned red at Wataru's response.
"Lila, Kiryu will only sing for you. But, it's not the same for you, huh?"
"Don't say it like that. I, " Lila couldn't finish her sentence; she knew he was right.
Wataru looked at her apologetically seeing her downcast expression, "My bad, I shouldn't rush this. Only 3/4 of a month has passed since you left. When you come up with a decision if it's okay with you, let me be one of the first to know. "
"Okay."
"Ari." she heard a voice call out to her and turned to see Haruka.
"Senpai."
He nodded towards Wataru and walked over, Haruka lightly brushed his forehead against hers. "You still have a fever; you ought to rest for a while."
"A—a—all right," Lila said, she thought it was stupid how she could not get her words out properly.
"You're so red, how come?" Haruka asked as he leaned closer. Lila knew she wasn't red and that he was just teasing. But still, it's frustrating. Thankfully before he could tease her anymore, Wataru saved her from this situation by calling out Haruka's name.
"Karashima Haruka."
Haruka turned to Wataru and nodded, "Igarashi Wataru."
Lila carefully observed the scene; there doesn't seem to be a bad vibe.
What's more Haruka-kun, he isn't saying anything about how she knows Wataru. Is that a good thing?
Her thoughts broke off when midnight blue hair appeared.
"Ari-chan, sorry for making you wait. I found Yumeko and the--" Mikami trailed off.
Wataru noticed right away, "Hamano."
"Igarashi..."
He sweatdropped, uh oh.
...
Y Studios Cafeteria
"Senpai, here," Lila handed Haruka the bento.
The four of them decided to head to the cafeteria, or rather that's what she decided; after seeing how awkward things were.
Haruka looked at the box with confused eyes.
"Your lunch," Lila explained.
"You actually made, that?"
Lila looked at him puzzled, why does he seem so confused? "Yes?"
she replied uncertainly.
He exhaled deeply and took it from her.
That wasn't the reaction she was expecting. Is Haruka angry? He told her to separate work and private life. But she's anxious about him. He doesn't eat much and sleeps either. He's always working very hard. Maybe it was clear something troubled her since Haruka left his seat and sat down beside her. Ah.
"Give me a bit of your time later. I can't say much with this crowd around." Haruka murmured softly in her ear.
"Okay."
But, later. Does Haruka plan to continue what he was doing earlier on?
Lila knew whenever this person got close to her, she ends up being unable to think rationally. She shook her head and focused on her meal. Lila takes a sip of the drink, there's no use thinking in depth about the man named Karashima Haruka's actions.
"Will you stay for long?" Yumeko asked, breaking the silence.
"For a few days."
Oh, he's leaving before her birthday. A coincidence? Probably not. She's supposed to be in a new environment, it's natural he can only stay a short amount of time.
"I get it! Until then, could you help us out?"
Wataru looked at Yumeko puzzled, and Lila does the same.
"Were practicing for the dream star tournament all three of us. Some choreography for the songs we need to learn are difficult," Yumeko explained.
"But you have---" Lila made eye contact with him, and Wataru nodded. That was close. While Lila isn't holding back her ability or anything like that, Lila doesn't want to reveal her skills too much before the tournament starts.
Thankfully Yumeko swiftly changed the topic, and inquire more about the God5's activities. Lila sat there and listened, she was glad Yumeko asked. Because Lila didn't know exactly how to bring up the topic without drawing suspicion to herself. She really does miss everybody, however, if she were to inquire too much - then it would look suspicious. After all, everybody knows that the guy's in the GOD5 are only close with a few girls.
Lila made a mental note to ask Wataru later and continued eating her lunch.