Chapter 1
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Back then, the two of us were unconsciously circling each other.
Neither of us chose to cross that line that would change our relationship.
"The other day, I went overboard, sorry."
"Ah up. No me too." she hesitantly touches his cheek. The smoothness of the girl's skin surprised him, and for a split second; he thought or what these hands could do to him.
"I'm sorry, it must have hurt."
"Well, it's seen better days."
"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"Make it up...then, keep coming here. I promise I won't do anything."
She shyly averts her gaze, and he kisses a strand of her hair.
"Please?"
"Okay."
.
.
"Studying Korean?"
"Ah, y--yes."
Haruka scans the books and the girls handwriting, it looks familiar after all. The books may be a coincidence, anyone uses these as a starter guide. But, this handwriting. ..
"S--senpai, um, you're too close."
At some point, he found himself leaning towards her.
"I don't see anything wrong with the distance."
"Um, um, if you're just going to-- bother me..."
"I'll help."
Well, it's not like he has anything better to do now. The girl seemed surprised, yet she quickly gets out another book from the pile and turns to a page.
"Um, over here..."
"Which one?"
"This."
"For this, you have to..."
"I see! Hmm..."
.... He wonders if this girl really knows how hot she looks. Since meeting her yesterday, for some reason, he hasn't been able to get her out of his mind. It's true that she's extremely beautiful. But, he knows many beautiful girls. So, he wonders what it is about her.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is she taking advantage of this situation? Maybe she is. But, it's been quite some time since she's been able to relax peacefully like this. Those two weeks she disappeared was only a short amount of time, and yet it felt as though, each day dragged on for too long and whenever she looked up, it would already be dark. It dragged on for long, but she had not been able to relax for even a second. Her thoughts break off when he brushes his hand on her cheek. Wah.
"I thought this since yesterday too, but, you look tired. Have you not been getting any sleep?"
Ah.
"Um, I haven't."
"Are you restless being in a new environment? I'm guessing you didn't just arrive yesterday."
"Oh, um, no, I did."
"Huh?"
"I was elsewhere for a bit, before coming here."
"You must have been very busy preparing to move here, and yet, geez. This school is useless at times. Want to sleep for a bit? I don't mind."
"I--I'm al--" her thoughts break off when she finds herself being lifted off her chair. Wha-what? What's he doing?
"You haven't been eating, or maybe your just light."
.....
.....
He's being so bold. It's not the first time they met, so she isn't surprised by his actions. But, according to him, it's the first time. So, why is he being so familiar? Or maybe he's just acting like a good senpai? She isn't sure at this stage. He's warm. Once they got to the couch, Haruka puts her down and looks around for something. He fetches a blanket from the side and wrapped it around her, "Sleep, we can continue the lessons later."
"Um, class."
"You're with me, it's fine."
"Okay."
.
.
She didn't think she would fall asleep. It's true it's been quite some time since she last had a decent amount of sleep. But to fall asleep in the company of someone who isn't Kiryu. How strange. From the looks of it, he didn't do anything either. He's so strange now. For sure there's something different about him in contrast to before. No, back then. He was gentle too. A kind person. That was her impression of him, and sure enough, he really is...But even so, she places her hands on her lips. He kissed her.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
When he hears the chair movement beside him, he turned to nod at the half-awake girl. Maybe it's because she just woke up, but there was something different about the girl's temperament. She seems almost sullen, and elegant. What is he doing, observing her for like this? It's true, he had his suspicions about her being Lila, even more so after he kissed her. But, even then it's just a speculation. Ever since coming back here, he hasn't fooled around with girls much and even when he did. Something's completely different, it's not the same as it was before. When he came back, he was reprimanded for breaking loads of rules and punished. During his confinement, Jaehee visited him and apologized for the words she said before. 'But, you understand it right? Mission or not, you and that girl can never be truly together.' He understands that better than anyone, as frustrating as it seemed. Him and Terashima Lila, belong in completely different worlds.
Even if they're in the same one when their paths cross. It's not to join together but to simply brush by. Had he not, become her English tutor and simply gave her the documents to the competition. It wouldn't have turned out the way it did. A deep sigh escapes his lips. These days, he really has been thinking about her quite often.
His thoughts break of hearing a beautiful singing voice from beside him.
Oh, her voice...
"Are you studying Korean for a competition?"
"En, the Dream Stars one."
....!
He supposes this isn't a good time to say he's a judge. She may either feel like using him or may feel bad about it. But, she's a participant huh? She isn't a specially invited one, he's seen all of those after all.
"I see, you must be good then."
"Ah, um, could you listen to me sing?"
"Huh? Well, sure."
Maybe she knows already? Or maybe she just wants an opinion.
Either way, whenever he hears singing. By instinct, he always expresses his opinion. It's no different this time either.
"I see."
"Um?"
"You have a good voice, it's naturally stable and your range is high, meaning you can hit high notes easily. However, the feeling behind it is weak. You can't perform on stage without a powerful feeling, otherwise, your audience will feel bored. What feeling do you want to convey the most right now? I can tell that it's there, but you're keeping it hidden. That won't get you past the audition round."
The girl is silent for a few minutes before nodding.
He wasn't too harsh there was he?
Haruka looks over at the girl, to see a concentrated looking expression on her face.
Why does she trust him so much? She should know better, after what he did. After what she saw. It's sort of annoying.
...
His gaze landed on the girl fast asleep and exhales deeply. Really, what is he doing? Even if she is beautiful, well no, that's never really stopped him before. But she's a newbie. She doesn't know anything about him or even his business. She clearly doesn't belong to this side of the world. He knows that better than anyone. However, from the moment he laid eyes on her. Haruka understood that he wouldn't be able to forget. Is it because he really sees her as resembling Lila, and not just her appearance either? What is he doing, she can't be Lila. Even if she was, she would have no reason to hide her identity from him of all people. His thoughts break of seeing the girl stir.
"Sorry, even though I said--"
His eyes go wide when the girl's arms wrapped around him.
Is she seducing him?
R--rather, why did he even think to apologize? Gee. It's not like him.
"Haruka-kun, I'm glad...I can see you again."
??!!!
"What does that..."
Seeing that she had fallen asleep right after, he blinks. Maybe, his suspicions aren't wrong after all. He should investigate it, properly that is. If, she really does turn out to be Lila...
.
.
Ah.
It's her.
He really does seem to run into her a lot. Haruka intended to turn and be on his way but catching a glimpse of some guys suddenly surrounding her. He exhales deeply, and grabs hold of her wrist. Upon seeing him, they scurry away. He let's go immediately.
"Are you lost?"
The girl's cheeks redden upon seeing him, as she hides her face with the documents in her hands.
"Um, I was sent here for a meeting. But, um, I really don't know where this room is."
Haruka blinks seeing the name on the top document. Huh?
"Come with me."
"Eh?"
"I'm heading there too."
"Okay!"
It really is strange, he can't shake the feeling that it's connected. The boss already knows she's here and after he made contact with her and confirmed her identity. He had no choice but to report it. Even if he didn't, he's sure the boss has a second source. He probably can't be trusted, regarding this matter anymore. If he asks the boss if this girl is Lila, will he actually get a proper answer? He has a feeling it's her. But, there's still something of.
"Which agency are you with?"
"Ah, Moonlight records."
...!!! Wait, what?
Moonlight records rose to fame quickly in the span of the year. The head is that guy. His motivation in creating the company was obvious, to steal her away. All of it adds up. There are other talents in the agency, but, this timing. His thoughts break off when he feels her hand on his hair.
"What are you doing? "he leaned forward slightly, "You're not seducing me, are you?"
When she touched his cheek that time, he simply let it be. Since he knew she only wanted to check on his injury. Haruka understood that there were no hidden motives. But now…
"Wahhh--wah, um, I just..."
He gently kisses the girl's fingers, causing her whole face to turn the brightest shade of red.
"If it's that, we can do so later at the library or even a hotel."
"N--n-o--I, um."
He doesn't get a chance to hear the girl's words since the double doors opened.
"Oh! So, you two came together, this is perfect."
It was old Yasuhi, beside him was a young man with unusual colored hair and eyes.
Seeing the girl beside him rush over, he frowns.
"Get here alright?"
"Ah,"
"Oh? I see."
"Are you sure you didn't order that?"
"Now dearest, you wouldn't be left in my care if that was the case."
Left in his care?
"Can we start?"
"Of course."
That guy takes the documents from the girl and hands it to old man Yasushi.
"Hmm, I see. These are the terms you wish to go with?"
"She's a very valuable person after all."
"Indeed, she is. But so is he."
"What are you talking about?"
"Haruka-kun, I'm sure you've been told this beforehand. You'll be managing your own artist directly now."
"I have and I heard, I'll be meeting her to--" Haruka pauses, just realizing. His eyes go wide as he turned to the girl, she must have just been told. Since she walks over.
"Senpai's my manager?"
"...Yeah."
Laughter escapes her lips, "En, I like it better this way too!"
"Oh, it seems like you're in agreement. Miss Kiku, Haruka-kun here is very unsociable, but he's a very good manager. I'm sure your return will be successful with him."
Return?
___________________________________________________
She can't believe she really gets to have Haruka-kun as her manager, that guy planned this. But, she really doesn't mind. She wants to get closer to him, to get to know him better. Unlike before, she has the time to do that.
"I'll drive you back, I am your manager now."
"Ah, please do."
Haruka nodded and turned to the direction of the car park. Lila hurriedly follows behind him.
It's a good chance, to get to know him.
But, she wonders if it's really okay.
)
"That old geezer I introduced you is an ally, we just have to find the right opportunity to properly sway him to our side. Karashima must know that too."
"Then, why did you."
"Lila. Why don't we bring Karashima Haruka over to our side?"
"!!"
"I thought so since last year, but you're really fond of him. That pisses me off, but we can use that."
"I don't want to hurt him."
"It's either Austin Kiryu getting hurt or Karashima Haruka, make your mind up."
(
She wants to get close to him, but not like this. She doesn't, want to use him in this manner.
"You, maybe my talent now. But, I don't intend to stop."
Thump.
Thump.
"But, is that not unprofessional?"
At that comment, she was pushed against the wall. Feverish and hungry lips on hers.
.
.
"N--no."
"Do I scare you?"
"You don't, but..."
But, she doesn't want it to be this way between them. 'Senpai has genuine feelings for you. ' If, he really likes her. She wants this to be done properly, she wants things to progress in the right order. Should she reveal her identity? The reason he's doing this is because he isn't aware who she really is.
This isn't any good.
She can't push him away.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Back then, the two of us were unconsciously circling each other.
Neither of us chose to cross that line that would change our relationship.
"The other day, I went overboard, sorry."
"Ah up. No me too." she hesitantly touches his cheek. The smoothness of the girl's skin surprised him, and for a split second; he thought or what these hands could do to him.
"I'm sorry, it must have hurt."
"Well, it's seen better days."
"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"Make it up...then, keep coming here. I promise I won't do anything."
She shyly averts her gaze, and he kisses a strand of her hair.
"Please?"
"Okay."
.
.
"Studying Korean?"
"Ah, y--yes."
Haruka scans the books and the girls handwriting, it looks familiar after all. The books may be a coincidence, anyone uses these as a starter guide. But, this handwriting. ..
"S--senpai, um, you're too close."
At some point, he found himself leaning towards her.
"I don't see anything wrong with the distance."
"Um, um, if you're just going to-- bother me..."
"I'll help."
Well, it's not like he has anything better to do now. The girl seemed surprised, yet she quickly gets out another book from the pile and turns to a page.
"Um, over here..."
"Which one?"
"This."
"For this, you have to..."
"I see! Hmm..."
.... He wonders if this girl really knows how hot she looks. Since meeting her yesterday, for some reason, he hasn't been able to get her out of his mind. It's true that she's extremely beautiful. But, he knows many beautiful girls. So, he wonders what it is about her.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is she taking advantage of this situation? Maybe she is. But, it's been quite some time since she's been able to relax peacefully like this. Those two weeks she disappeared was only a short amount of time, and yet it felt as though, each day dragged on for too long and whenever she looked up, it would already be dark. It dragged on for long, but she had not been able to relax for even a second. Her thoughts break off when he brushes his hand on her cheek. Wah.
"I thought this since yesterday too, but, you look tired. Have you not been getting any sleep?"
Ah.
"Um, I haven't."
"Are you restless being in a new environment? I'm guessing you didn't just arrive yesterday."
"Oh, um, no, I did."
"Huh?"
"I was elsewhere for a bit, before coming here."
"You must have been very busy preparing to move here, and yet, geez. This school is useless at times. Want to sleep for a bit? I don't mind."
"I--I'm al--" her thoughts break off when she finds herself being lifted off her chair. Wha-what? What's he doing?
"You haven't been eating, or maybe your just light."
.....
.....
He's being so bold. It's not the first time they met, so she isn't surprised by his actions. But, according to him, it's the first time. So, why is he being so familiar? Or maybe he's just acting like a good senpai? She isn't sure at this stage. He's warm. Once they got to the couch, Haruka puts her down and looks around for something. He fetches a blanket from the side and wrapped it around her, "Sleep, we can continue the lessons later."
"Um, class."
"You're with me, it's fine."
"Okay."
.
.
She didn't think she would fall asleep. It's true it's been quite some time since she last had a decent amount of sleep. But to fall asleep in the company of someone who isn't Kiryu. How strange. From the looks of it, he didn't do anything either. He's so strange now. For sure there's something different about him in contrast to before. No, back then. He was gentle too. A kind person. That was her impression of him, and sure enough, he really is...But even so, she places her hands on her lips. He kissed her.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
When he hears the chair movement beside him, he turned to nod at the half-awake girl. Maybe it's because she just woke up, but there was something different about the girl's temperament. She seems almost sullen, and elegant. What is he doing, observing her for like this? It's true, he had his suspicions about her being Lila, even more so after he kissed her. But, even then it's just a speculation. Ever since coming back here, he hasn't fooled around with girls much and even when he did. Something's completely different, it's not the same as it was before. When he came back, he was reprimanded for breaking loads of rules and punished. During his confinement, Jaehee visited him and apologized for the words she said before. 'But, you understand it right? Mission or not, you and that girl can never be truly together.' He understands that better than anyone, as frustrating as it seemed. Him and Terashima Lila, belong in completely different worlds.
Even if they're in the same one when their paths cross. It's not to join together but to simply brush by. Had he not, become her English tutor and simply gave her the documents to the competition. It wouldn't have turned out the way it did. A deep sigh escapes his lips. These days, he really has been thinking about her quite often.
His thoughts break of hearing a beautiful singing voice from beside him.
Oh, her voice...
"Are you studying Korean for a competition?"
"En, the Dream Stars one."
....!
He supposes this isn't a good time to say he's a judge. She may either feel like using him or may feel bad about it. But, she's a participant huh? She isn't a specially invited one, he's seen all of those after all.
"I see, you must be good then."
"Ah, um, could you listen to me sing?"
"Huh? Well, sure."
Maybe she knows already? Or maybe she just wants an opinion.
Either way, whenever he hears singing. By instinct, he always expresses his opinion. It's no different this time either.
"I see."
"Um?"
"You have a good voice, it's naturally stable and your range is high, meaning you can hit high notes easily. However, the feeling behind it is weak. You can't perform on stage without a powerful feeling, otherwise, your audience will feel bored. What feeling do you want to convey the most right now? I can tell that it's there, but you're keeping it hidden. That won't get you past the audition round."
The girl is silent for a few minutes before nodding.
He wasn't too harsh there was he?
Haruka looks over at the girl, to see a concentrated looking expression on her face.
Why does she trust him so much? She should know better, after what he did. After what she saw. It's sort of annoying.
...
His gaze landed on the girl fast asleep and exhales deeply. Really, what is he doing? Even if she is beautiful, well no, that's never really stopped him before. But she's a newbie. She doesn't know anything about him or even his business. She clearly doesn't belong to this side of the world. He knows that better than anyone. However, from the moment he laid eyes on her. Haruka understood that he wouldn't be able to forget. Is it because he really sees her as resembling Lila, and not just her appearance either? What is he doing, she can't be Lila. Even if she was, she would have no reason to hide her identity from him of all people. His thoughts break of seeing the girl stir.
"Sorry, even though I said--"
His eyes go wide when the girl's arms wrapped around him.
Is she seducing him?
R--rather, why did he even think to apologize? Gee. It's not like him.
"Haruka-kun, I'm glad...I can see you again."
??!!!
"What does that..."
Seeing that she had fallen asleep right after, he blinks. Maybe, his suspicions aren't wrong after all. He should investigate it, properly that is. If, she really does turn out to be Lila...
.
.
Ah.
It's her.
He really does seem to run into her a lot. Haruka intended to turn and be on his way but catching a glimpse of some guys suddenly surrounding her. He exhales deeply, and grabs hold of her wrist. Upon seeing him, they scurry away. He let's go immediately.
"Are you lost?"
The girl's cheeks redden upon seeing him, as she hides her face with the documents in her hands.
"Um, I was sent here for a meeting. But, um, I really don't know where this room is."
Haruka blinks seeing the name on the top document. Huh?
"Come with me."
"Eh?"
"I'm heading there too."
"Okay!"
It really is strange, he can't shake the feeling that it's connected. The boss already knows she's here and after he made contact with her and confirmed her identity. He had no choice but to report it. Even if he didn't, he's sure the boss has a second source. He probably can't be trusted, regarding this matter anymore. If he asks the boss if this girl is Lila, will he actually get a proper answer? He has a feeling it's her. But, there's still something of.
"Which agency are you with?"
"Ah, Moonlight records."
...!!! Wait, what?
Moonlight records rose to fame quickly in the span of the year. The head is that guy. His motivation in creating the company was obvious, to steal her away. All of it adds up. There are other talents in the agency, but, this timing. His thoughts break off when he feels her hand on his hair.
"What are you doing? "he leaned forward slightly, "You're not seducing me, are you?"
When she touched his cheek that time, he simply let it be. Since he knew she only wanted to check on his injury. Haruka understood that there were no hidden motives. But now…
"Wahhh--wah, um, I just..."
He gently kisses the girl's fingers, causing her whole face to turn the brightest shade of red.
"If it's that, we can do so later at the library or even a hotel."
"N--n-o--I, um."
He doesn't get a chance to hear the girl's words since the double doors opened.
"Oh! So, you two came together, this is perfect."
It was old Yasuhi, beside him was a young man with unusual colored hair and eyes.
Seeing the girl beside him rush over, he frowns.
"Get here alright?"
"Ah,"
"Oh? I see."
"Are you sure you didn't order that?"
"Now dearest, you wouldn't be left in my care if that was the case."
Left in his care?
"Can we start?"
"Of course."
That guy takes the documents from the girl and hands it to old man Yasushi.
"Hmm, I see. These are the terms you wish to go with?"
"She's a very valuable person after all."
"Indeed, she is. But so is he."
"What are you talking about?"
"Haruka-kun, I'm sure you've been told this beforehand. You'll be managing your own artist directly now."
"I have and I heard, I'll be meeting her to--" Haruka pauses, just realizing. His eyes go wide as he turned to the girl, she must have just been told. Since she walks over.
"Senpai's my manager?"
"...Yeah."
Laughter escapes her lips, "En, I like it better this way too!"
"Oh, it seems like you're in agreement. Miss Kiku, Haruka-kun here is very unsociable, but he's a very good manager. I'm sure your return will be successful with him."
Return?
___________________________________________________
She can't believe she really gets to have Haruka-kun as her manager, that guy planned this. But, she really doesn't mind. She wants to get closer to him, to get to know him better. Unlike before, she has the time to do that.
"I'll drive you back, I am your manager now."
"Ah, please do."
Haruka nodded and turned to the direction of the car park. Lila hurriedly follows behind him.
It's a good chance, to get to know him.
But, she wonders if it's really okay.
)
"That old geezer I introduced you is an ally, we just have to find the right opportunity to properly sway him to our side. Karashima must know that too."
"Then, why did you."
"Lila. Why don't we bring Karashima Haruka over to our side?"
"!!"
"I thought so since last year, but you're really fond of him. That pisses me off, but we can use that."
"I don't want to hurt him."
"It's either Austin Kiryu getting hurt or Karashima Haruka, make your mind up."
(
She wants to get close to him, but not like this. She doesn't, want to use him in this manner.
"You, maybe my talent now. But, I don't intend to stop."
Thump.
Thump.
"But, is that not unprofessional?"
At that comment, she was pushed against the wall. Feverish and hungry lips on hers.
.
.
"N--no."
"Do I scare you?"
"You don't, but..."
But, she doesn't want it to be this way between them. 'Senpai has genuine feelings for you. ' If, he really likes her. She wants this to be done properly, she wants things to progress in the right order. Should she reveal her identity? The reason he's doing this is because he isn't aware who she really is.
This isn't any good.
She can't push him away.
Back then, the two of us were unconsciously circling each other.Neither of us chose to cross that line that would change our relationship."The other day, I went overboard, sorry.""Ah up. No me too." she hesitantly touches his cheek. The smoothness of the girl's skin surprised him, and for a split second; he thought or what these hands could do to him."I'm sorry, it must have hurt.""Well, it's seen better days.""Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?""Make it up...then, keep coming here. I promise I won't do anything."She shyly averts her gaze, and he kisses a strand of her hair."Please?""Okay.".."Studying Korean?""Ah, y--yes."Haruka scans the books and the girls handwriting, it looks familiar after all. The books may be a coincidence, anyone uses these as a starter guide. But, this handwriting. .."S--senpai, um, you're too close."At some point, he found himself leaning towards her."I don't see anything wrong with the distance.""Um, um, if you're just going to-- bother me...""I'll help."Well, it's not like he has anything better to do now. The girl seemed surprised, yet she quickly gets out another book from the pile and turns to a page."Um, over here...""Which one?""This.""For this, you have to...""I see! Hmm...".... He wonders if this girl really knows how hot she looks. Since meeting her yesterday, for some reason, he hasn't been able to get her out of his mind. It's true that she's extremely beautiful. But, he knows many beautiful girls. So, he wonders what it is about her.____________________________________________________________________________________________________Is she taking advantage of this situation? Maybe she is. But, it's been quite some time since she's been able to relax peacefully like this. Those two weeks she disappeared was only a short amount of time, and yet it felt as though, each day dragged on for too long and whenever she looked up, it would already be dark. It dragged on for long, but she had not been able to relax for even a second. Her thoughts break off when he brushes his hand on her cheek. Wah."I thought this since yesterday too, but, you look tired. Have you not been getting any sleep?"Ah."Um, I haven't.""Are you restless being in a new environment? I'm guessing you didn't just arrive yesterday.""Oh, um, no, I did.""Huh?""I was elsewhere for a bit, before coming here.""You must have been very busy preparing to move here, and yet, geez. This school is useless at times. Want to sleep for a bit? I don't mind.""I--I'm al--" her thoughts break off when she finds herself being lifted off her chair. Wha-what? What's he doing?"You haven't been eating, or maybe your just light."..........He's being so bold. It's not the first time they met, so she isn't surprised by his actions. But, according to him, it's the first time. So, why is he being so familiar? Or maybe he's just acting like a good senpai? She isn't sure at this stage. He's warm. Once they got to the couch, Haruka puts her down and looks around for something. He fetches a blanket from the side and wrapped it around her, "Sleep, we can continue the lessons later.""Um, class.""You're with me, it's fine.""Okay."..She didn't think she would fall asleep. It's true it's been quite some time since she last had a decent amount of sleep. But to fall asleep in the company of someone who isn't Kiryu. How strange. From the looks of it, he didn't do anything either. He's so strange now. For sure there's something different about him in contrast to before. No, back then. He was gentle too. A kind person. That was her impression of him, and sure enough, he really is...But even so, she places her hands on her lips. He kissed her.____________________________________________________________________________________________________When he hears the chair movement beside him, he turned to nod at the half-awake girl. Maybe it's because she just woke up, but there was something different about the girl's temperament. She seems almost sullen, and elegant. What is he doing, observing her for like this? It's true, he had his suspicions about her being Lila, even more so after he kissed her. But, even then it's just a speculation. Ever since coming back here, he hasn't fooled around with girls much and even when he did. Something's completely different, it's not the same as it was before. When he came back, he was reprimanded for breaking loads of rules and punished. During his confinement, Jaehee visited him and apologized for the words she said before. 'But, you understand it right? Mission or not, you and that girl can never be truly together.' He understands that better than anyone, as frustrating as it seemed. Him and Terashima Lila, belong in completely different worlds.Even if they're in the same one when their paths cross. It's not to join together but to simply brush by. Had he not, become her English tutor and simply gave her the documents to the competition. It wouldn't have turned out the way it did. A deep sigh escapes his lips. These days, he really has been thinking about her quite often.His thoughts break of hearing a beautiful singing voice from beside him.Oh, her voice..."Are you studying Korean for a competition?""En, the Dream Stars one."....!He supposes this isn't a good time to say he's a judge. She may either feel like using him or may feel bad about it. But, she's a participant huh? She isn't a specially invited one, he's seen all of those after all."I see, you must be good then.""Ah, um, could you listen to me sing?""Huh? Well, sure."Maybe she knows already? Or maybe she just wants an opinion.Either way, whenever he hears singing. By instinct, he always expresses his opinion. It's no different this time either."I see.""Um?""You have a good voice, it's naturally stable and your range is high, meaning you can hit high notes easily. However, the feeling behind it is weak. You can't perform on stage without a powerful feeling, otherwise, your audience will feel bored. What feeling do you want to convey the most right now? I can tell that it's there, but you're keeping it hidden. That won't get you past the audition round."The girl is silent for a few minutes before nodding.He wasn't too harsh there was he?Haruka looks over at the girl, to see a concentrated looking expression on her face.Why does she trust him so much? She should know better, after what he did. After what she saw. It's sort of annoying....His gaze landed on the girl fast asleep and exhales deeply. Really, what is he doing? Even if she is beautiful, well no, that's never really stopped him before. But she's a newbie. She doesn't know anything about him or even his business. She clearly doesn't belong to this side of the world. He knows that better than anyone. However, from the moment he laid eyes on her. Haruka understood that he wouldn't be able to forget. Is it because he really sees her as resembling Lila, and not just her appearance either? What is he doing, she can't be Lila. Even if she was, she would have no reason to hide her identity from him of all people. His thoughts break of seeing the girl stir."Sorry, even though I said--"His eyes go wide when the girl's arms wrapped around him.Is she seducing him?R--rather, why did he even think to apologize? Gee. It's not like him."Haruka-kun, I'm glad...I can see you again."??!!!"What does that..."Seeing that she had fallen asleep right after, he blinks. Maybe, his suspicions aren't wrong after all. He should investigate it, properly that is. If, she really does turn out to be Lila.....Ah.It's her.He really does seem to run into her a lot. Haruka intended to turn and be on his way but catching a glimpse of some guys suddenly surrounding her. He exhales deeply, and grabs hold of her wrist. Upon seeing him, they scurry away. He let's go immediately."Are you lost?"The girl's cheeks redden upon seeing him, as she hides her face with the documents in her hands."Um, I was sent here for a meeting. But, um, I really don't know where this room is."Haruka blinks seeing the name on the top document. Huh?"Come with me.""Eh?""I'm heading there too.""Okay!"It really is strange, he can't shake the feeling that it's connected. The boss already knows she's here and after he made contact with her and confirmed her identity. He had no choice but to report it. Even if he didn't, he's sure the boss has a second source. He probably can't be trusted, regarding this matter anymore. If he asks the boss if this girl is Lila, will he actually get a proper answer? He has a feeling it's her. But, there's still something of."Which agency are you with?""Ah, Moonlight records."...!!! Wait, what?Moonlight records rose to fame quickly in the span of the year. The head is that guy. His motivation in creating the company was obvious, to steal her away. All of it adds up. There are other talents in the agency, but, this timing. His thoughts break off when he feels her hand on his hair."What are you doing? "he leaned forward slightly, "You're not seducing me, are you?"When she touched his cheek that time, he simply let it be. Since he knew she only wanted to check on his injury. Haruka understood that there were no hidden motives. But now"Wahhh--wah, um, I just..."He gently kisses the girl's fingers, causing her whole face to turn the brightest shade of red."If it's that, we can do so later at the library or even a hotel.""N--n-o--I, um."He doesn't get a chance to hear the girl's words since the double doors opened."Oh! So, you two came together, this is perfect."It was old Yasuhi, beside him was a young man with unusual colored hair and eyes.Seeing the girl beside him rush over, he frowns."Get here alright?""Ah,""Oh? I see.""Are you sure you didn't order that?""Now dearest, you wouldn't be left in my care if that was the case."Left in his care?"Can we start?""Of course."That guy takes the documents from the girl and hands it to old man Yasushi."Hmm, I see. These are the terms you wish to go with?""She's a very valuable person after all.""Indeed, she is. But so is he.""What are you talking about?""Haruka-kun, I'm sure you've been told this beforehand. You'll be managing your own artist directly now.""I have and I heard, I'll be meeting her to--" Haruka pauses, just realizing. His eyes go wide as he turned to the girl, she must have just been told. Since she walks over."Senpai's my manager?""...Yeah."Laughter escapes her lips, "En, I like it better this way too!""Oh, it seems like you're in agreement. Miss Kiku, Haruka-kun here is very unsociable, but he's a very good manager. I'm sure your return will be successful with him."Return?___________________________________________________She can't believe she really gets to have Haruka-kun as her manager, that guy planned this. But, she really doesn't mind. She wants to get closer to him, to get to know him better. Unlike before, she has the time to do that."I'll drive you back, I am your manager now.""Ah, please do."Haruka nodded and turned to the direction of the car park. Lila hurriedly follows behind him.It's a good chance, to get to know him.But, she wonders if it's really okay."That old geezer I introduced you is an ally, we just have to find the right opportunity to properly sway him to our side. Karashima must know that too.""Then, why did you.""Lila. Why don't we bring Karashima Haruka over to our side?""!!""I thought so since last year, but you're really fond of him. That pisses me off, but we can use that.""I don't want to hurt him.""It's either Austin Kiryu getting hurt or Karashima Haruka, make your mind up."She wants to get close to him, but not like this. She doesn't, want to use him in this manner."You, maybe my talent now. But, I don't intend to stop."Thump.Thump."But, is that not unprofessional?"At that comment, she was pushed against the wall. Feverish and hungry lips on hers..."N--no.""Do I scare you?""You don't, but..."But, she doesn't want it to be this way between them. 'Senpai has genuine feelings for you. ' If, he really likes her. She wants this to be done properly, she wants things to progress in the right order. Should she reveal her identity? The reason he's doing this is because he isn't aware who she really is.This isn't any good.She can't push him away.
