"I have to go," Haruka said.
"Ah-huh…"
Haruka bends down and she found his lips on hers. Lila pulled away, cheeks red. "I--I told you, not to do that…"
"I'm just telling you goodbye. Did you just want me to leave without saying anything?"
Why does he always get like this?
She recalled his peaceful expression earlier and his gentle hug. Which side is the real him? As of late, she really isn't sure anymore. But, one thing is for sure. She tugged on Haruka's hand, "I'm sorry… Um, I'd just like a warning first."
"A warning?"
"Yes."
"So, if I ask for permission you'd let me?"
Well, now that he puts it that way, she isn't exactly sure if asking permission would make much of a difference. Her thoughts broke off when he pulled her into his arms, for a split second she was afraid. But she felt his hands gently caress her hair and her back, as though he was telling her to calm down.
"I have something important to tell you…"
Thump…
"Well, I think you already know though. I'll tell you once the competition ends…"
"You can't tell me now?"
"Yeah."
.
.
Lila lets out a relieved sigh. Haruka had left a few minutes ago, but she remained completely frozen on that spot for a while. She wonders, what he's going to tell her.
'He intends to ask you out.'
As she recalled the context of her text message conversation with Mikami-kun. Lila's cheeks burned red, it can't be... Haruka, wouldn't ask her out. Even if he has feelings for her, in the end, it doesn't change the fact that he doesn't want to be in a proper relationship with everyone. Take deep breaths Lila, and get a grip. She completely missed the chance to have a proper talk with him. But, she will after the tournament ends. Besides, it really is about time she's serious with him.
Soichiro scolded her once he found out. He told her straight up that she shouldn't let herself be taken advantage of. Indeed, she can't exactly deny those words. It's not as though, she couldn't have stopped him. But for some reason, her powers wouldn't work. Right at that moment, her powers didn't work. Soichiro informed her that it was because of her feelings for Haruka, and yet Lila felt that there was something wrong with that theory.
Lila pulled out her phone and sighed. Of course, there are no new messages. She wasn't sure whether or not it was wise to wait for Kiryu any longer since he didn't show up on his birthday. That's why she sent his birthday gift on the 26th. She wonders if Kiryu still likes her… Maybe he's dating his assistant now? There's been a lot of rumours… Lila shook her head, no, she shouldn't get jealous. The assistant girl seemed like a nice person the last time they spoke. She shouldn't suspect every girl that is friendly with Kiryu.
She shouldn't suspect anyone. By allowing such a bitter thought to enter her memory, she is letting herself be consumed in darkness. Lila took a deep breathe, as she found herself singing one of the first songs he wrote for her.
)
13 Years ago, May 27th, 2022
Where did mommy go? Lila looked around only to look down as she found everybody's gaze on her. You would think at such a large party, the last thing anybody would do is pay attention to a kid and yet all the attention is on her. Lila understands why. This is her first proper souriee. She's already 4 years old and yet this is her first proper gathering. When she thinks about how much of a disaster the first few times was, she cringes at the memory. It couldn't be helped and yet at the same time, she felt really bad.
The reason she wandered of was simply because she heard it. The sound of stars. Lila tried to follow the direction of the source but got mislead when she brushed past somebody with sound reflection abilities. She exhaled deeply, what bad timing that was. When she decided to give up, she tried to return back to where her mommy was and yet. She ended up being surrounded by so many people. There so scary, where's that stupid guard of hers when she needs one!
Her thoughts broke off when she felt someone hug her from the back. As she felt the familiar warmth, Lila turned around and hugged the person.
"Uwaaah mommy!" she exclaimed, as she buried her tear-stained face onto her mothers chest.
Her mother laughed, "There, there. Where did you go wandering off to?"
"The sound of stars.." Lila reminded her mother.
"I see. Well, I'm sure you'll find it Lila-chan. I want to introduce you to a few people. I know it's tiring, but just for a while?"
"I'm a bit scared."
"I know, but it's okay. Their mother's friends."
"Mommy's?" she repeated.
Her mother nodded, "Yes."
She reluctantly agreed.
......
While she wanted to remain hugging her mother. But...
understood it wouldn't be appropriate for a lady her age to act so childlike. Being a hanyou child is hard work, she has to be mature even though she's only 4 years old. Lila was sitting down patiently on the chairs. Mommy said to wait since she was going to bring her friends over. Mommy's friends, she's only met Uncle Atushi before and he's a weird person.
Her thoughts broke off hearing her mother's voice.
"Is this your son Asuka?"
"Yes."
Her mother seemed to be staring at somebody.
"Yup yup, the same type. Lila-chan? Come over here for a bit."
She immediately stood up, and went towards the direction where her mother was, "I'm here mom-mother." Lila corrected herself. She has to be a proper Lady.
"This is my friend Austin Asuka, and this is his son...Aust-"
She interrupted her mother's speech, once she caught a glimpse of the boy. Silver hair and dark midnight eyes. It's the person she's been looking for!
"Is that really the sound of stars?!!! " Lila exclaimed.
Her mother chuckled, clearly, she didn't seem surprised, did mommy knew it was this person? "Lila-chan heard you play the piano earlier, she really liked it."
Lila shook her head, "It's true I loved it! But I'm talking about something else.."
At that comment she watched as the boy brought out a small pendant, her eyes sparkled, "Wah, it looks like stars. It's so pretty!" She thought it would be a bell considering the sound it makes. Lila looked at it curiosity filled her gaze.
Where does the sound come from?
But more importantly, thump. Thump. Since mother called her over, the restless feeling she has felt all evening grew stronger. Is this boy the cause of it?
"Lila-chan, Kiryu and you are the same age. While this kid is a bit unsociable. I hope you two become good friends." Asuka said.
Friends!!
She's always wanted a friend!!
Lila extended her hands out, "I'm Terashima Lila! Nice to meet you."
Seeing that he didn't respond right away, Lila blinked puzzled. But then recalled what the boy's mother just said. That's right, this one isn't sociable. She isn't sure whether she's one either, after all, she doesn't have any friends. She found herself lost in her own thoughts for a while until she felt the throbbing feeling in her heart grow stronger.
Oh, this...
"Mother, Mother, that guy. His blood smells really nice! It must taste really sweet."
"Did you just say sweet?" the two adults exclaimed.
She blinked at their strong reaction but nodded.
"Ahuh, I haven't had any. But I could tell from the scent."
She really wants some! But would that be rude? She understands that there are certain rules involved taking blood outside those of your family...
"Eh, seriously? Will your stubborn husband agree to this." Asuka said.
"I'm sure it'll be alright." Her mother paused before she patted her back.
"Mommy?" she said, puzzled.
"Lila-chan, Kiryu-kun. Do you two want to play together?"
Wahh!
Lila grabbed hold of the boy's hand then.
"We can? Let's go! Let's go! I know this really pretty part outside. I'll show you!"