บท 72: Blank (4) (Edit)
Light Academy, Main Building.
A rare group sat in a conference took in the main building in Light Academy. His fellow RAY members and himself, alongside Lila-chan and Haruka. Though one of his team members was absent and Senpai left earlier. The reason this particular group gathered here today was because they all had an interview and photoshoot together for a magazine. A rare combination yes but perhaps people are finally starting to connect the dots to RAY and the so-called newbie Kiku Ari. If people knew who this sensational newbie was, then the media headlines would indeed exaggerate their connection more. Hamano Mikami was leisurely browsing through his phone when Takahiro burst into the room.
Late as ever huh? The moment Takahiro entered, Kouta stood up to lecture him. But Takahiro ignored Kouta's glare, and cut him off, "You'll never guess what I heard! Devil is holding a press conference at lunch."
"Press conference?" Kouta repeated.
Mikami nodded, "That's right," He did hear his fellow students mention that earlier, "Will the princess here enlighten us on the details?"
Mikami said.
Mikami turned to the girl who was flicking through the latest jump issue. Senpai had left for a bit, so it was okay for him to bring it up.
"Our new song," Lila stated calmly.
"New song?!"
Lila nodded, "Yes."
"But haven't you..." Mikami trailed off puzzled.
"I was working on it before I left, so it's natural; it's finished by now."
He supposed that makes sense; it's still slightly surprising. Releasing a new single during this time, perhaps, "You intend to crush X momentum?"Mikami guessed.
His blonde hair companion frowned, "Devil wouldn't gain anything--"
Lila cuts Kouta of, as she replied with a single word, "Yes."
Woaaah, she's so blunt about this. The other two seemed genuinely surprised.
Kouta sighed, "Is there any use letting your personal feelings get in the way now of all times? You have other things to focus on."
That's true.
With the way things are now, Lila-chan should focus on her status in the international market. Then again, she's already starting with a new identity, so things are already more complicated than it's supposed to be.
"And I'm focusing on them, becoming famous internationally, and defeating X is...the same thing," Lila said.
In other words, she doesn't want to give them even a single chance. Devil breaking into the international market? It's completely doable. But being famous individually internationally takes a lot more effort.
Before Mikami could say anything more, senpai reentered the room with a stack of manga, "Hey, I got some more."
Lila beamed happily, "Lucky!! I haven't had time to read lately. Thank you, Haruka."
Mikami watched as senpai bends down to kiss the girl, her calm demeanor vanished slightly. Cheeks tinted red, as she laughed softly, "Read with me Haruka?"
"Yeah."
...For real, why don't these two start dating? He made a promise to Kasumi-chan yes. But, he can't control something that's happening naturally.
Kouta seemed irritated with this scene and harshly said, "Shouldn't you two be busy with the screening? Rather aren't you far too laid back right now?" Mikami understood Kouta's concern, but he's expressing it too harshly.
Lila-chan being the naive girl she is didn't notice Kouta's hostility. If she did, then she certainly wasn't bringing it up, "Well yeah we were but..."
Haruka brought his hand to the girl's lips and explained for her, "There have been issues. For a while, it's on hold till the second round. It's fine; there's plenty of work lined up for her now. "
Someone's interfering then, Mikami frowned.
"Still, aren't you pushing her too much? She just had a fever.." Kouta brought up.
"She needs to adapt. The Dream stars won't be easy."
So harsh but it's true that the training system is strict.
"Haruka, next page."
Mikami stared at the girl speechless at her reaction. Lila-chan seems chill about it; she must have faith in her abilities. No, maybe she has confidence in senpai's management b — either way, "A sudden interview at the school. I wonder what's up," Mikami brought up. No matter how one looked at this situation, there's something shady involved here.
"..."
"Huh? Is it weird?" Takahiro said.
"You're as clueless as ever," Mikami said with a deep sigh.
Takahiro looked at him puzzled, "Ehh."
It's unusual to have interviews done in school. After all, this involves their private lives. While the media love to snoop around their private lives, those hiring for a job know better than not to maintain their professionalism.
Lila calmly replied, "They're after me."
"Oh?"
Mikami raised his eyebrows, what made her come to that conclusion? Anybody here could be a target after all.
"Lately, those girls have been spreading things in the circle. One of them probably decided to sell it...."
Mikami laughed lightly, that explains it, "Seems like your at the receiving end of their jealousy," Mikami paused, "But still, it's suspicious.."
Lila, however, didn't reply to him and changed the topic swiftly, "Haruka, I'm getting hungry."
"Right, we had no time to pack food. I'll send for some take out; what do you want?"
"Pastries!" Lila exclaimed.
Noticing her change in tone, Mikami didn't dare to bring up the topic again. Their way too laid back aren't they? But, maybe it's better this way. They do make a good couple though. He feels conflicted.
"Kouta? Who have you been texting this whole time?"
"My stupid sister. I told her not to leave the dorm, and she's stubborn." Kouta said.
"Ah, it can't be helped," Mikami said.
Lila-chan frowned and spoke up, "Why does Yumeko have to stay inside?"
At that comment Haruka puts the manga down, and pulled the girl into his arms, pressing her against the couch, "All of you leave."
.......
Once they were out in the hallway, Mikami immediately questioned Kouta, "And so?"
"I'm working on it," Kouta said.
"I can tell from your eye bags."
"Even Kouta can't sort it out. Are they that troublesome?" Takahiro asked.
Mikami nodded, "Normal reporters don't have such power. But these are backed with strong support."
Or rather, it's strange how even now they still don't know who that strong support is. Even using his families influence, they don't know. His thoughts broke of catching a glimpse of grey hair. Ah.
"Kouta, over there."
"Mai." Kouta greeted.
"I'll distract the reporters; I'd send your sister out of school. She won't be safe here."
"...Thanks."
The girl just nodded before walking away.
Mikami whistled, "Doesn't she still like you?"
"Please, she never liked me."
You could have fooled him.
_____________________________________
"Wow! So much food."
Haruka nodded, "I figured pastries weren't enough, and you've already been eating loads of restaurant food." On the table, there was pastries, snacks and cooked meals that were still hot since they were just made in a restaurant not too far from the school. He had his people deliver them to the school.
Lila laughed, "That's because you keep treating me to dinner."
If not, then he would always be touching her. A sexual relationship with her doesn't sound bad. But, that's not what he wants with her. He wanted something different.
"There is a lot of food here" Lila commented."Let's share it with the others; I'll get everyone."
Lila turned to the door, and Haruka pulled her back into his arms and inhaled her scent, "Haruka?" Lila said, puzzled.
"I only want to eat with you."
More laughter, as she replied happily, "Aha..that's kinda cheesy.."
It really is. It's not like him.
"Then, I'll start preparing."
Haruka nodded. His thoughts broke of hearing the sound of his phone. Haruka looked at the message he received; it was from Mikami.
From: Mikami
Takahiro and I are going to get
Yumeko-chan out.
Kouta will be out on watch.
Have fun.
Is that last line supposed to be sarcastic? Have fun huh? Haruka thought back to what happened earlier and exhaled deeply. It's getting harder and harder to control now. He wants her. He wants her more than anyone he's ever wanted anyone before.
"Ah, meat bun spotted! I love these." Lila said happily taking them out of the bag.
"Not really the season for it though."
"True, but they're yummy! Oh, there's only one, "Lila splits it half and extends it towards him, "One for Haruka."
"...I'm fine. Just eat it."
"It's no fun eating by myself," Lila commented.
He reluctantly takes it, and she smiled happily. He really doesn't understand her.
........
He thought so before. But Lila is such a weird girl. Even though she should have been cautious around him after that kiss, she still pointed him out to her boyfriend. Lila still looked for him. Now that he thinks it through, perhaps she had a little crush on him from the beginning. But even then, that little crush wouldn't have compelled her to be intimate with him.
When he feels light contact on his lips, Haruka blinked and the girl drew back, "What..?"
"You seemed to be in a daze," Lila commented.
That's why she kissed him?
He understood that for hanyou females, and hanyou's in general kisses did not mean anything. But for Karashima Haruka who lived a regular life not upholding or caring about the hanyou norms.
How helpless. Still, Haruka uses this chance to kiss her properly.
"Ugh..nnmmgh."
Haruka murmured against her lips, "If you're going to kiss, you use your tongue."
"Wah."
.... This girl...he just wants....he just wants to... Before he could do anything else, he heard a familiar ring tone and drew back from her. Haruka reluctantly picked up his phone, "Hello? Haruka speaking?"
A familiar annoying tone filled the other line, "It's m-me~."
Damn. Haruka forgot about this guy coming. His gaze landed on the blue hair girl. It still isn't time yet.
..................
Light Academy 3rd year Building.
Haruka was watching the girl through the window, but unfortunately. He wasn't the only one; his gaze fell on his so-called best friend who was staring at the blue hair girl in the center of the crowd. Some first years were surrounding her, this time around though, Haruka knew these people meant no ill will.
"Ari-senpai, can we please take a picture?"
Lila nodded, "Ah? Sure!!"
"So lucky!"
Soft laughter passed the blue hair girl's lips, "Aha, it's just a photo."
"We're big fans."
After looking for a while, Mikado commented, "So that's her?" Mikao's words indicated that he was interested.
"Mikado," Haruka said, his tone filled with malice.
Mikado seemed amused and chuckled, "Only looking. Relax."
That's what he's worried about though With Mikado back, he can't deny his job anymore. Even though, being her makes him very happy.. Seeing Mikado, he understands that he has to be serious. The two of them, are on opposing sides.
"Hey, enough photos," Kanehera Kouta emerged from the corner of the building and walked towards them.
"Ah, right. Kouta-kun, this is for you!"
Haruka saw her give a box to Kanehera Kouta, and his eyes twitch in annoyance. He recalled the scene from earlier the day; he wondered why she was packing food away like that.
"That one is an eyesore," Mikado commented.
Sensing his friend's tone, Haruka shifted his attention back to Mikado, "...You can't get rid of him."
"I know, I know. But he's in the way,"
"...has he interfered with the plan?" Haruka asked.
"No."
Haruka wore an indifferent expression as he said, "Then, leave him," He had no attachment to Kanehera Kouta in any way. But he made a promise. Even though it was a long time ago, even though it doesn't matter anymore. Several memories of the past flashed through his head.
-----
"I'm Yumeko! This is my brother!"
…..
"Even though we act this way, he's my precious brother."
. ...
"Yumeko, she-- towards you. Don't you know?"
. .
----
The promise he made Yumeko is something he cannot break so easily, just because of his personal feelings.
"Al--also Kouta-kun, I wanted to ask you...do you think Haruka likes me?" Lila stammered.
He turned his attention back to the scene.
Kanehera exhaled deeply and flicked the girl's forehead, "Don't ask such an obvious question."
"But--but you said..."
"Well, I do want to discourage you. But, since the guy likes you. Maybe something can change. I'm not sure myself."
"But I.." Lila protested.
Kanehara patted the girl's head, "For now, don't mind it. You have other things to focus on."
"That's right. It's very important to me, the upcoming song."
A deep sigh escaped his lips. You're not supposed to agree. But, something is different with her right now. Something did change. Is she willing to accept the change?
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