Ruka awkwardly followed behind him and noticed it. The distressed look, he wore on his face. His rushing footsteps. She heard rumors, but she also listened to the stories of how intimate the two are with each other. Karashima Haruka being serious about women?
There's one person who fits that description. Her gaze darted towards the charm hanging out of his pocket, where his phone was. He supposedly likes Terashima Lila and treated her differently.
But, how is one still able to act how he does despite having someone he loves deeply? For quite some time, he didn't fool around, and everyone thought he changed.
As of late, a however Ruka thought about it. Ruka exhaled deeply, why on earth is she analyzing this in so much detail? But, she wants to know; can a man and woman be connected, can be together and be affectionate with each other.
Without feelings of love? Without even knowing much about each other? If it's really like that, then it explains everything. It explained why Takahiro wouldn't look at her. The two of them, aren't suited for 'love,' and that's why she has always restrained her feelings. The relationship they have now is okay; she's never wanted anything more.
The moment they entered the room, the girl had sensed them coming and flung her arms around Karashima.
"Why didn't you tell me you felt this bad?"
"Haruka?"
"Swallow this.." Ruka watched as he takes out a strange looking pill and slips it inside the girl's mouth.
"Got it?"
He didn't make her drink any water. Is it drugs? If so she should say something but -- she really can't intervene — such complicated emotions. As of late, she's become somewhat restless. How strange.
"Her fever should go down, but still.....Hey, bring her here."
..........
Ruka didn't need him to clarify who he meant by her. So many years have passed since she met Yumeko. So she had seen the two's interactions by now. When she fetched Yumeko, for some reason, the girl didn't seem surprised, and it didn't take long before they were in the infirmary. It's not the first time Ruka has seen Yumeko use her abilities. She's already seen it on more than one occasion.
However, this is the first time she's heard about someone outside of the guys in RAY knowing about her powers. 'I've always kept it hidden...' When Ruka first saw it, she understood why. She's never seen an ability like this before. If others were to lay their hands on it, for sure, they'd want it. The moment they see it, they will desire it. Yumeko doesn't mention it in detail. She wondered exactly how deep Yumeko's past with Karashima-senpai is... It's probably not something she can comprehend adequately.
'You won't understand.'
Indeed, it is like that. Ruka doesn't understand anything. Even now, all she can do is, stand here. Stand, watch and silently observe. Exactly, what can she do?
___________________________________________________
"Once the light faded from Yumeko's hands, Yumeko still looked panicked, "Ari-chan. Are you okay?!"
"Uka...Haruka.."
Lila repeated his name over and over.
Haruka sent Yumeko a look saying why is she still around? Before muttering, "Leave."
He's grateful that she doesn't kick up a fuss. Or maybe she already knows if it's like that then, it would be better. This whole time they have been on bad terms, but it is useful when she understands him. Haruka understands. That girl still cares. He bends down, and Lila wrapped her arms around his neck.
Her lips grazed against his neck, and he reprimanded her, "Why are you so careless?" Haruka said, as he caressed her hair.
"Haruka...I want to be with you more."
Haruka paused and deciphered her words, so she wants him to stop seeing the others. She's even destroying her health and getting emotionally worked up about it. Does she want him beside her? Does he play such an essential role in her life? "Do you want to date me?" he asked.
Lila remained silent, no response huh?
"That's the only way…" Haruka quickly added. But he was still greeted with silence, still nothing.
She's not evading it. But she isn't answering.
She's too complicated.
......
Two and a half hours later, Haruka decided to remain with her until her fever went down. He brought the thermometer again to her lips and was relieved to see a lower number. Her fever is down now, "Good."
"Haruka?" Lila murmured.
"...I have to leave soon."
"Oh.," Lila said, disappointed. Sensing and looking at how disappointed Lila looked, Haruka quickly changed his mind.
"But, I won't go."
"Ah?"
He won't go, or rather he can't leave her alone right now, "Hey, tell me straight. What do you want from me?" Haruka questioned her.
At that, the girls face turned a bright shade of red. Why is she red all of a sudden? Seeing that though, he exhaled deeply. Well, at least she's self-conscious around him. "Have this." he replaced something in small wrapping in the girl's hands.
It didn't feel right for him to give her something another girl made for him. But she needs proper food.
"Haruka, um, what about you?" she suddenly asked.
"I ate the lunch you made me."
"Ah! Was it tasty?"
"Then I'll make you lunch everyday…".
She doesn't have to though. But if she wants to so much, Haruka managed a nod, and her expression brightened. It doesn't take the girl long to finish eating and when she does. He loosened his tie slowly and found her gaze on him.
"Um…"
"Take it off for me." he urged, Lila shyly does so and averted her gaze. He wanted nothing more than to destroy it, whatever she was thinking. He isn't the charming prince type, so he found Lilas reaction stupid. But he carefully watched as she undid the buttons on his shirt one by one and slipped his arms off, the white polo shirt fell on the ground.
Haruka laid down beside her, and Lila looked over at him surprised.
"Your sleeping beside me?"
"For a bit."
He was seeing her look at him, half curious and half wondering. He exhaled deeply and urged her over. "Just come here already."
Lila immediately rushed over, as she replied with a single, "Yay!"
….she's cute.
Feeling her calm breathing and heartbeat as she laid her head on his chest, he paused... Why, Why does she want to be close to him? Is she using him as a substitute for Austin Kiryu? He doesn't understand.
He probably shouldn't leave her alone. But, the list of appointments. The boss is out of town anyway. If it's just for a little while, he wants to, stay by her. After all, she got this way because of him, "Haruka, I'm getting sleepy," Lila yawned. He looked over and saw how tired she was and nodded,
"Go, to sleep."
"Okay."
..........
"Hey...leave, " Haruka urged the woman who was placing heavy kisses on his neck. He usually would comment and go along with it. Instead, Haruka questioned how on earth did she get in here when he locked the door? How annoying, he isn't in the mood.
"Stingy, I won't tell the boss. But let's have a bit of fun, isn't she sleeping?"
". ."
He doesn't even know which woman this is anymore.
They all look the same to him, every single one of them. They all sound the same. To his surprise though, he felt someone suddenly clings to his arm, and Lila desperately holding on to him. Haruka's eyes widened.
The woman was about to hit her but he stopped her, and with a cold gaze said one word, "Leave."
"You better make it up to me another time."
He doesn't respond and carefully picked up the girl, and placed her back on the bed inside the inner room. "Ari…"
"..."
Seeing her tears, he paused. Geez.
His gaze softened, "Hey, don't cry...soon. I'll sort this out soon, and then I'll always be with you."
"Haruka...Haruka."
It pained him, hearing her call out his name repeatedly. Almost as though she needs him. Almost as though, she likes him.
Don't look at him like that.
Don't say his name like that...
He won't be able to control himself…
He already can't. She's become so important to him.