Like A Midnight Song (5)

To be perfectly honest, the last thing he wanted to do after spending such a perfect moment with her was to let her go. However, this isn't the school. School lessons and dance practice here aren't on the same level. Her association with him already causes enough problems. While he may be her manager, he pays too much attention to her.

"Hey Karashima, are you listening?"

"Now now Senou-san, he's focused elsewhere," Itsuki said.

Out of all the other judges, Itsuki is just as well known as him. Perhaps because of that, they don't seem to get along.

"Itsuki shut it," Haruka said, irritated.

"Language."

At that Clara takes the seat next to him, "So that's the one?"

"Yeah, I said it beforehand. So don't go acting surprised."

"I'm not, but hmmm..."

"She's way too innocent for you."

"..."

Well, he won't disagree there. She really is too innocent. What kind of idiot moves in with a guy who hurt her? So foolish.

"Anyhow since I said something…" Haruka reminded them.

"Yeah, we will don't worry."

"But still didn't you take her to your room? Are you sure nobody saw that?"

Nobody, come to think of it. He was so worked up, upon seeing her; that he really didn't think it through.

"..."

"Haruka!" Clara exclaimed.

"I'll check, I'll check geez.." Haruka sighed deeply, as he stood up.

There's no way anyone saw them.

.....

On his way down though, he had to pass by the dance class and found himself observing silently for a while.

She's a really good dancer...

"Ah, I'm just going to get some fresh air."

"Okay."

... Haruka followed behind her of course. He knows he shouldn't and that it's risky, but his feet turned to the direction where she was going. He followed her until they reached the sink areas. Lila bends down to wash her face and exhaled deeply before a fit of coughs followed. Seeing this, he immediately rushed over and patted the girls back.

"Haruka?"

"Deep breathes."

"Okay."

Should he get her some water? But he doubts it will help right now. After a few minutes, the girl calmed down.

"Haruka, um what?"

"Good job..."

Her eyes sparkled. "A compliment!"

"Yeah, I've been watching from over there."

She laughed softly, "I see."

What now? For some reason, he came down here. He's supposed to be checking on the security cameras. But when he saw her.. "Um Haruka. Are we going to keep hugging?" she asked.

He pulled back slightly, "You don't want to?"

"No, I like it."

Damn, she's so cute.

"Are you sure you're not tired?"

"Um, I'm tired."

"You're being honest now?" he said with an amused smile.

"Cause...um the last..was a bit..."

Last? Oh. Right. He went a bit too roughly inside her. He wanted to prove that protection doesn't do much. But perhaps it was a bit too much.

His thoughts broke off when she was yanked from his arms, "Princess, if you don't go back. They'll be suspicious."

"Wah, Takeshi."

...

What's with that look?

Haruka exhaled deeply, "The trainees are allowed to walk around. Since they aren't exactly accepted yet. The amount of time you spend in the practice room won't determine your place if you fail the auditions later on."

"That's all very interesting. But I do remember the reason the instructors are around is to judge their abilities. If she's wandering around, how can anyone judge her ability?" Takeshi challenged.

Annoying.

He felt the girl tug on his hand, and he looked over, "It's up to you."

"Um, I want to spend some more time with Haruka. Takeshi, can you leave us for a bit?"

".....Since that's what you want Princess."

"Ah-huh."

With those words said Haruka watched as the guard leaves. Haruka, however, caught the guys expression. That one is dangerous, he's surely going to be a real problem in the future. He should report to the boss about it. More importantly, his gaze landed on the pretty girl beside him who was staring at him with a curious gaze.

He isn't exactly sure what they can do in such a short time. He recalled overhearing some of the conversations by his fellow judges about the scenery. Lila, she would like something like that right?

"...There's a nice garden area here... Do you want to take a walk?" Haruka asked.

"Wah, a date?"Lila exclaimed.

....

He recalled their previous conversation and nodded. "Well, if you're okay with dates like this..." He said this last time too, but there is something different now. For some reason, his words came out as a stutter.

Lila laughed softly before her eyes widened.

"Wait it's really a date?" she looked at him for confirmation, and he nodded.

She doesn't respond and he watched how she rummaged through the small bag she carried around with her. What is she doing? Recognizing the makeup equipment though, he blinked. She turned away from him and quickly got to work. The whole time he was watching her completely confused.

...

What the...

Haruka waited until she was done, and was indeed pleased with the results. While Lila is a natural beauty when she puts on makeup; even only a little. It enhanced her beauty more. Lila looked at him shyly and he cornered her against the pillar, "Don't tempt me..."

"I---I'm not..." she trailed off, before she said, "Do you, think I'm pretty?"

Haruka stared at the girl in disbelief, is she serious? She's actually asking him something like this? Haruka doesn't answer, but he grabbed hold of her hand, "Let's go."

"Okay."