24 My Radiance (10)

A few hours later (Another space)

Did she arrive too early?

Hearing the sounds come from the bathroom, she flushes red. Oh, Mikami is taking a bath. She should do the same… She can do this. On the way there she found herself, murmuring pie. However, Kasumi immediately noticed something wrong. His clothes aren't in the basket. Could it be — she quickly opened the bath door? To confirm her suspicions.. Seeing Mikami hunched over, his clothes soaked with red on the back. She rushed over.

"It's you, Kasumi-chan," Mikami said with a weak voice.

"Mikami…"

Mikami smiled weakly as he reassured her, "I protected her, so don't worry."

No, that's not it. Right now, Kasumi is more worried about—

"Kasumi-chan, you look prettier today."

That's because she knew they'd be meeting. Mikami must have understood since his lips brushed against her neck. "Pretty. Since you're so beautiful, will your blood be just as tasty?"

Blood.

That's right; she should give it to him. Kasumi makes sure she's leaning against the bathtub, and Mikami's lips are on hers. Despite his present state though, she finds his hands-on top of hers. Ah. Mikami is stupid.

........

45 minutes later

He said he modeled this place after his apartment. But, maybe he forgot she had enough time to walk around before. This is a different place, and yet she gets a familiar feeling. She gently caressed his hair and looked at him carefully to find dark circles under his eyes. They hide it well during photo shoots, but Kasumi can tell. When Wataru reported Mikami's present state, she felt sick to her stomach.

She had a bad feeling, ever since Kanehara Kouta sent her a half-written email. It looked like he wanted to say something important regarding Mikami but cut himself off. He's so stupid, how could he still be so considerate after she betrayed him? Even though it's a fake relationship, it doesn't change the fact that she's in one.

It doesn't take her long before she's taking things out of the fridge and making a meal. Rather, it surprised her how many ingredients were inside. Maybe Mikami has looked after himself.

"Kasumi-chan?" she heard Mikami's voice coming from the other room.

"I'm cooking."

Soon, Mikami entered the kitchen. "You know, I was just thinking yesterday that I'm envious of senpai."

"Wait, is Lila making Karashima lunch?"

Mikami nodded and casually said. "Seems like it."

She didn't think their relationship had gotten that good. Mikami whispered something in her ear, and her eyes widened.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I don't know how they are contacting each other without getting found. But, for now, it's working."

A relieved sigh escapes Kasumi's lips, as she replied, "Thank goodness. I've been really worried about them.."

"I know."

...........

Mikami repeatedly calls her name like he was in a trance."Kasumi, Kasumi. Kasumi. Kasumi-chan."

It's like what Lila said before, hearing your name repeated so many times is bad for the heart - thump. Thump. Her heart is beating so loudly.

"Do you want to kiss Kasumi-chan?"Mikami asked casually.

His casual tone irked her slightly as she pushed him away slightly. "Why are you asking t—that?!" Kasumi exclaimed. Why is he asking? That's not something you would usually ask for, anyway.

"Well, senpai always asks Lila-chan. So, I figured it was courteous."

How stupid. This isn't enough.

"Mikami. I love you, Mikami."

"You, keep repeating that," Mikami said.

She wanted him to know.

She wanted to make up for the times before.

Noticing Mikami moving away to take his clothes off, Kasumi stopped him. "Mikami, wait a minute.."

He looked at her puzzled.

Kasumi knew she was incredibly flustered at this point, but extended her hand out to undo the buttons on Mikami's shirt. Kasumi stuttered a reply," L—let me."

He's injured after all.

"Kasumi, am I dreaming? You want to touch me. ,"

With reddened cheeks, Kasumi looked up.

"Isn't that obvious, dummy?"

A chuckle escaped his lips.

...…..

"Kasumi-chan, you've gotten prettier."Mikami complimented.

She has? Maybe it's because of the different training system for models abroad.

"Lila's looks suit the international model status more than me. I'm tall but..." Kasumi paused.

"Have they been bullying you?"

Kasumi averted her gaze.

"I see, so that's why you--"

Kasumi placed her fingers on his lips and shook her head, "Kasumi-chan, I'm anxious. At least explain it to me."

"Letter. I wrote it down since I couldn't say it properly. I know it will be hard to ask but..."

"I get it. But, after I read that. Tell me everything yourself okay? You, trust me right Kasumi-chan."

She does. Kasumi felt Mikami lips on her neck, shoulders, she shuddered.

"Kasumi-chan. Do you, really need me?" Mikami murmured softly against her neck.

Kasumi wasn't amused at all by this question and immediately gets mad. Why is he even asking her something like that? At this stage. Kasumi doesn't hesitate to voice out her anger, "Mikami, I'll get angry."

"Aren't you already?" Mikami said with an amused smile. This isn't funny at all.

Why would he ask something so stupid? Mikami must have seen her reaction since he brought his lips to her hair and placed light kisses there. He really is an idiot.

...............

"Kasumi-chan. I want to see you again properly soon."

"Meeting here isn't enough? ,"

Mikami nodded, "It isn't. I want to see you all the time; I want to take you on a date."

"Date…" her cheeks flushed red, "I want that too, maybe…you could slip out, and I'll show you Paris?"

Mikami's powers seem to be somewhat stable recently. If it's like that, then they could use this pathway.

"Sounds like a plan. Wait a sec; let me find my schedule."

Her eyes light up. A date, she hasn't gone in one with Mikami for a long time. Even then, the dates they had were always in a hotel. Her face color turned pale; realizing something, wait a minute, they've never really had a proper date before. Though there was that mountain trip, they ended up being interrupted/joined by the others. Gaaahh, so this entire time. They've just been having sex, right?!!!

The sudden realization dawned on her and Kasumi's face color turned pale. Calm down. With the circumstances the way they were, going on a regular date was impossible. But regardless, she doesn't want their relationship to be defined by feelings of lust solely. As lovers, naturally that desire will always be there. However, she wanted something much more. Mikami, can she hope, that he would want something like that too?

Kasumi walked over and found Mikami speaking with someone on the phone.

"Did you eat? I left money on the table. Just order takeaway if you're afraid. Yes, I'll be returning soon."

. .

Thump. Thump.

The context of that conversation, is he living together with someone? It doesn't sound like a guy either. So, it's a girl? But, when she slept with him. Even she could tell he hasn't had another woman in a long time. Also, something seemed different here.

Her thoughts broke off when she felt Mikami right in front of the door, "The girl I love? Yeah, I'm with her now. No, it's fine. We can't stay together for long. I'll head back soon."

!!!

The girl he loves.

.................

J Building (10 PM)

Kasumi noticed the logo J corp the moment she left the portal.

She shouldn't be doing this, but —she is worried about Lila. And, she also wanted to spend a little more time with Mikami. It should be okay if she doesn't stay long. It surprised her, how much her friend's appearance had changed. Although she saw it on TV already, there is something different here. The blue hair suits her. But she looks so much paler than before. As Kasumi was examining the girl's condition, Lila stirred awake.

"Unn…Kiryu?" Lila murmured.

"Sleepyhead, Kasumi-chan is here," Mikami said.

At that comment, Lila bolted awake. Kasumi was about to greet her, but Lila suddenly grabbed hold her arm. The slight contact caused her to frown. She's skinnier than before.

"Kasumi! Yay, it's Kasumi. Wah, wah!!!" Lila exclaimed happily.

Kasumi easily returned to their old routine and immediately lectured Lila. "Are you eating properly? Why do you look so pale, and you're super skinny! You have eye bags why aren't you sleeping? And your hands are filled with blisters."

Lila, however, didn't seem phased and instead replied with an even more cheerful tone, "Kasumi's loving insults!"

Geh, this girl she's the same as ever. Kasumi took out a wrapped parcel, and Lila laughed softly. "Food!!! Yay."

"Eat properly; you look slimmer than before."

Lila wrapped her arms around her, hugging her as she cheerful said, "Kasumi, your so kind! I like you."

"Yes, yes I know."

Kasumi's gaze softened seeing her friends cheerful and a beaming smile. It's been a while since she last saw her, she's glad that Lila still seemed chirper. When she saw the performance on TV, Kasumi was slightly worried. It worried her that her friend reverted to how she used to be then. It can't be, can it?