Light Academy, Dorms. Later on the day.
Yumeko was deep in thought at her desk when the doors to the room opened.
She immediately stood up, "Ari-chan!" Yumeko exclaimed. But the girl wasn't alone, she spotted Haruka with her.
She froze for a moment but didn't let it bother her, she scanned her friends appearance and frowned. There seemed to be something fragile about her. Ari has naturally pale complextion making it difficult to tell when she's sick. But for some reason, Yumeko just knew.
Haruka did not cast Yumeko a second look and turned to the girl, "Get your belongings, we're leaving soon."
"Ah okay…"The girl staggered forward and Yumeko watched as Haruka caught her.
"... Tell me what to get."
Ari gave him some instructions before she somehow got her on the bed. Yumeko walked over to help when Ari called out to her.
"Yumeko-chan!"
"Ah yes?" she turned back. It would probably be awkward if she tried helping Haruka-kun out. So she walked back over to the girl who had laid down.
"Yumeko-chan, here you go!" Lila said as she passed her some documents.
Yumeko's eyes went wide when she identified the documents. Music scores, "Eh this?"
Yumeko said puzzled. How come?
"You said you needed help!"
She did say that, but Yumeko didn't think Ari would go out of her way to help her.
........
Ari wouldn't stay put after that, in fact she seemed to insist on getting up. But in Yumeko's eyes, it looked more like her friend wanted to stay by Haruka's side. Haruka finally understood and started to lecture her, "Honestly, quit moving around. Stay put, I'm almost done," Haruka paused before gently kissing her lips.
"Oo—okay…"
Yumeko observed the scene from the corner of the room, something has changed between them. It worried her that things were going badly and that there's a distance... But now there's no need, there's still a distance. But the two are surely closer than before.
"Haruka." Ari weakly called out.
".. I'm here."
"Um, pack books too," Ari asked.
Haruka nodded and walked over to the girl's book shelf, like before. Haruka didn't need to ask her which shelf is hers, "He really does know her well huh?" Yumeko mumbled, that should be obvious considering how much time they spent together. But it still surprised her.
"Bottom shelf?"
"Ah-huh."
"Any specific ones?"
"Um, pick for me!"
Yumeko didn't know why but she felt like she's getting in their way. No, she's definitely getting in the way. Yumeko sighed deeply, how many times has this situation happened now?
"Yumeko." Haruka called out to her.
Oh!
Yumeko is startled when he suddenly called out to her.
"Make her some tea."
"Ye-Yes--"
Her name…
She noticed Ari-chan staring, and Yumeko immediately looked away. Don't give it away. Haruka must have noticed since he walked back over, and hugged the girl, "So, with all this stuff you're making me pack. You'll be staying for a while, right?"
"Ah-huh, if that's okay."
Haruka nodded, "It's fine."
"Your appointments?" Ari asked.
"I'll cancel, stay with me."
She really is the third wheel here.
Yumeko exhaled deeply. It's not like she still likes him, even back then she can't be sure about her feelings. Before she got the chance to find out though that incidence happened. Back then, so many things happened and for the longest time, she was a mess. But she met Ruka-chan, she crossed paths with Maika and, she…. saw that person's performance. Even though it was her dream to be an idol since childhood, a part of her wasn't taking it seriously. However, once she saw Terashima Lila's performance everything changed.
She walked over to her desk and opened a drawer, recalling something that occurred a few months ago.
----------
A few months ago, Studio O, Cafeteria
"Then, Yumeko-chan! When we meet again and can stand on stage together, let's wear this."
"Eh this.." Yumeko stared at the bracelet with wide eyes.
"A symbol of friendship!" Lila said happily.
"Friends…"
"En are friends!"
----------
Present Day
Yumeko removed the bracelet from the box and closed her eyes.
No sooner had she found herself in that deep slump, no sooner had she encountered other people. She met her idol, Terashima Lila. The girl differed completely from what she expected. Rather than the cool personality she sees on TV, the girl was more cheerful and bright. But that didn't bother her. No, it wouldn't. It was because of that. Despite her nervousness, she could engage in conversations with the girl. Someone, bright, cheerful and innocent. The type of person, she's always wanted to be. The person she is pretending to be. Perhaps that's the reason she found herself drawn.
Perhaps she saw it.
___________________________________________________
After he checked the last of her belongings, Haruka left the room. He already sent her down to the car earlier. As he was leaving though, he recalled something. Even when he was fooling around with her that person remained quiet and didn't show up again. Even when Lila was leaving, she's still around right... He should at least tell her, he's taking her away for a while Yes, that's the only reason.
Haruka walked around the room for a while and eventually opened one door where he found the girl fast asleep on the short table in front of the TV. Various things scattered in her surroundings… What an idiot.
… Haruka paused and exhaled deeply. He removed his jacket and wrapped it around her before he turned and left.
......
His house. 6:00 PM
After fooling around for a while, he finally let the girl got to work. However, no sooner had he started. He found her gaze on him. Haruka thought about it for a moment, why would possibly look at him, but couldn't think of anything, so he asked her,
"What are you looking at?"
"Haruka." Lila said.
"I can see that but---"
Haruka was cut off when she looked at him cutely and extended her arms out.
"Haruka. Hug." Lila asked.
"..."
He leaves the laptop and walked over to the couch. Honestly, he wanted to leave her in the bedroom but; he felt that she would try to get up. When he pulled her into his arms, he hears light laughter, "You feeling okay?"
"Slightly better."
"There's ...work tomorrow. Sorry, I can't cancel it."
"Mm, it's okay. You'll be there for me."
Why, is she so sure?
.........
Karashima Haruka is the type of person who is normally calm, but there are a few things that can set him off. While he does not mind an audience, Lila is not like those other girl's he's slept with. To him, she's special. He doesn't want anybody seeing the girl's bare skin but him. Haruka barely had time to cover her up when Mikami entered the room.
"The hell Mikami, why did you interrupt!"
Haruka shot him an angriy look.
Mikami wore his usual bright smile, "Oh? Were you two about to do it?" Haruka's glare only deepended and Mikami laughed, "Sorry, sorry."
Damn...so close.
"Takahiro and I were in the area and wanted to check on her," Mikami informed him. However Haruka was not listening to Mikami, instead he looked over at Lila who shifted closer to Takahiro.
"Hmmm, Takahiro-kun you seem different lately... "
Takahiro's face reddened, "Woaaahh---"
He's had a bad feeling about this guy from the beginning, but now he's confirmed it. Haruka pulled the girl to his side on the couch, "Make it quick," He didn't want to waste anymore time dealing with these people.
"Ari-chan, about the help you've been giving Yumeko-chan, do you mind doing the same for Ruka-chan?"
Takahiro asked directly.
"Oh!"
"She may not look it, but she struggles quite when writing songs. Well, she is an athlete." Takahiro explained.
"Does Takahiro-kun want me to help too?"
The redhead slowly nodded, "Your sick. So I didn't want to bother you but…"
"No, I understand."
How annoying. It's one thing to interfere, but now they are bringing up stupid matters in front of him. Haruka spoke up, and said, "If she really is serious about music, don't you think by now, she would have at least won a few awards? I'm not saying that awards make an idol, but for someone trying to build up a reputation. Entering a competition or two is natural. And yet, that girl has yet to do anything. She's restraining herself."
It's different to Lila restraining herself too.
The girl's reason is pathetic, it can't even be called an excuse.