Wings Of Light (11)

He wants to learn more about her.

It's not just because of this case with the song too. He wants to understand everything about her, so he can make her smile.

... Since when? Since when did he think this way?

"I didn't want to look at him, I didn't want to see him then and yet I stopped running when he called out after me. He told me straight up that didn't I figure it out already? Truthfully, I already knew for the longest time. About Kiryu and Rosalia, about why he slept around with other girls. His case differs from yours Haruka. Kiryu was lonely, he wanted to fill the void in his heart. But I caused his loneliness. I've always loved Kiryu, for the longest time. I even admitted that to senpai in middle school. However, I didn't tell him."

"How come?" Haruka asked.

"Because I knew then, that I couldn't solely become his."

"You were helping the guys in seven stars... No, because of Ichinose Oujiro?"

Lila nodded, "Yes. It wasn't fair of me. I told him these exact words, 'For the longest time, I pretended to know. Because I knew I was the one hurting you by going to see senpai. I knew I didn't have the right to be selfish with you being so close and touching another woman. I knew I couldn't voice what I was thinking, 'don't go, stay with me. ' Even though I wanted to be selfish, I didn't think it was right and continued just gradually getting closer to you.'.." she paused and laughed, "Really, when I look back to what I said, I sounded selfish. I should have properly ... No, even then..."

"Lila.," Haruka spoke up.

.... "My relationship with Kiryu..differed greatly from your average one. We didn't need words to understand each other although we conveyed our strong feelings towards each other using our songs. Just staying by each other's side, by remaining close, there was a strong bond...," Lila trailed off, " That love is something I cannot replicate with anyone. That's why...towards you Haruka..."

He shook his head, "Don't bring me into this now."

He needs to focus on learning more so he could help her. Haruka felt her hand graze against his cheek...and then the next second he felt her lips there. A soft and gentle kiss. "Lil-"

"Haruka, could you wait a bit longer? I need to meet with Kiryu first, so please..."

"..Yeah.."

She nodded happily, "Ah, that's right. What about those notes you took? You were observing me that closely..."

"What's wrong with always watching you?"

"Aha."

.... .....

When he got back to the room, Haruka wasted no time. To think the day came where he would end up having to help Austin Kiryu out. 'Can your skills match his? Can you make her shine?' As he recalled that man's provocation, he exhaled deeply. Can he match against Austin Kiryu's music? Honestly, he's never really tried before. He's not like the rest after all. He has no particular skills or talent, he wasn't born with the gift of music. He simply learned it. He supposes its high time he picked up another challenge.

____________________________________________

11:00 PM, Beach Harbour

"Ah-huh, I understand. Thank you, mommy, yes. I'll head over once I'm done here." With those words said Lila ended the call. Her gaze drifted on to the water. She immediately made her mind up and made her way towards the water. Despite the coolness in her feet, she felt refreshed.

Lila took a deep breath. To be perfectly honest, she isn't even sure what will happen when she goes to see Kiryu. It may really end up with the two of them breaking up, and if that's the case. Can she love Haruka freely? But, she can't see that happening either. Even if the break up happens, Kiryu will always be there. He will always be at the center of her heart.

Would Haruka be okay with that?

From the moment Karashima Haruka told her of his feelings, Lila understood. He's like her and Kiryu unless the other person solely belongs to them, he would still continue to be in pain. It really is painful. It's not just the three of them who are suffering. Their actions are affecting the people who love and care about them too.

Her Kiryu...

When she accepted his hand, perhaps she was too hasty.

But even though she felt it was too soon, being with him genuinely made her happy. That's why regardless she selfishly didn't let go of him.

Her thoughts broke off upon spotting blonde hair. Ah.

"Wahh, senpai? What are you doing? Are you spying on me? Stalking?"

"N—no stupid, I was just taking a walk to clear my head."

Lila laughed at his reaction, "Senpai, join me too! The water is nice."

"Are you kidding? It's June, it's definitely cold."

"Fine, I'll just enjoy it myself." She pouted. Since it's senpai, if she acts sulky for a while, eventually he will surrender, right? Sure enough, the moment she said those words, she heard him take his shoes off. She laughed softly. He hasn't changed at all.

Lila was about to turn around but she felt her feet get caught up in something.

"Wah-"

Instead of landing on the water however she felt herself being lifted. Ah? Lila opened her eyes, half expecting to see an annoyed senpai but..the one who caught her, however, it wasn't senpai but maroon coloured hair. "Haruka--"

"What on earth are you doing?." Haruka questioned.

Lila laughed, "Un, so Haruka was the one stalking and not senpai."

"..And if I was?"

Thump. Thump.

She doesn't get a chance to react however since senpai separated the two, "Don't act all close in front of me."

"We don't have to act close. We are."

C—close? Many things appeared in her head then until Oujiro hit her across the head, "Ouch! That hurts."

"Tough. Quit daydreaming." Oujiro scolded.

"Wah, you're a bully!"

"You're the one thinking odd things."

"W—well I can't help that." When she's near Haruka, her heart is restless and when he said strange things, her heartbeat increases. Her gaze landed towards Haruka, he...was following her? This place isn't near the separate accommodation Kyoko-nee picked out for them. Her gaze softened, was he worried about her? How foolish. But it's this foolish person who caused the rift in her heart.