July 21st, 2035 (Kings Road, London)Lila sighed; they still have time to relax before the compet.i.tion started. Haruka told her yesterday they"d have time to go on a date. But, "Sorry, I have some place to stop by. Go ahead without me." Lila sighed; she cannot avoid this situation, considering the role Haruka has to play. She heard from the other judges during the orientation event regarding Haruka"s situation. Haruka hasn"t been here in a long time. So Haruka offered to dig up old contacts to help make the compet.i.tion smoother. He"s busy. That"s why, another sigh.
"Ari-chan, I know you wanted to go on a date. But, it makes me sad that you"re not focusing on our shopping trip."
"S—sorry." Lila apologized.
Kotori smiled, "You didn"t ask Kaneherchan to come, did you two fight?"
At that comment, Lila recalled what happened before they left and she sighed.
"I didn"t want to. But, I thought Yumeko was going overboard regarding what she said to Haruka."
"On that note, I heard Nasaki-san visited you, so you should know..." Kotori paused and seemed to hesitate with her next words.
Lila nodded, "But that"s why I thought it was uncalled for." Anyone hearing that story would understand." They would understand that Haruka isn"t at fault, "I don"t enjoy seeing them fight. However, now I"ve heard the truth. I can"t help but worry. About Haruka"s feelings towards Yumeko. If I didn"t show up, wouldn"t he continue to pursue her?"
"Indeed, one would think that. However, Karas.h.i.+msan was serious when he told you he liked only you."
Her cheeks reddened, "How do you know.."
Kotori winked and chuckled, "Well, even though you two were sitting quite far away. Some people went on the other hilltop to get a better look."
Ah. So someone saw them. How embarra.s.sing.
"It surprised everyone, they all said "so Karas.h.i.+msan isn"t just a s.e.x maniac.""
"Well..." She can"t deny that comment, even more so after they dated each other. But, "Haruka is very kind to me; he treats me very well."
.
.
Cafe.
While the four of them sat down and waited for their orders, Lila examined the surroundings.
Lila exclaimed, "The cafes are so trendy and cool!" Although there were undoubtedly other words, she could use to describe them. Since arriving yesterday, she"s been feeling very overwhelmed.
"Look we can see it from here.." Kotori said.
Lila"s eyes lit up as she followed Kotori"s suggestion, "Uwaah your right."
Maika sighed, "Are you two a pair of kids?"
Jae-hee laughed, "Now, now. Isn"t it good that they are having fun?"
....
Once they finished eating their main meal. They ordered deserts alongside tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Lila stirred the hot chocolate to cool it down when she discovered her three friends looking at her.
"Err what?"
"Spill." All three of them said.
"Regarding you dating Karas.h.i.+ma." Maika said.
Oh!
"I couldn"t get much out of her earlier," Kotori said.
"It"s fine, it"s good you didn"t. Now we can try."
Lila stared at the three dumbfounded why are they so interested in this? Well, it"s not like she has anything to hide. But Lila chose particular information to tell them. After all, most of the times Haruka holds her is in times of weakness; she can"t disclose that part. "And yesterday?" Maika questioned.
Lila repeated, "Yesterday?"
Kotori nodded, "Rather we all want to know about yesterday."
Lila looked at them confused.
Jae-hee grinned, "Well Haruka called and said you were too tired to go back."
Wah—wha?
"In other words spill the details. Is Karas.h.i.+ma as good as they all say?" Maika asked.
Her whole face turned red why are these three able to talk about that so calmly? Or maybe there"s something wrong with her. Seeing their curious gaze, Lila understood that she wouldn"t be able to get out of it so easily. Unless its a topic regarding something the three will get serious about. It didn"t take her long to come up with something.
"Ah forget that! I wanted to ask; everyone has international experience?" Lila brought up the topic from the other day. The other"s expressions quickly changed, and she sighed in relief.
Kotori nodded, "In my company, there are abroad programmes for trainees. So before becoming a member, you have to go abroad. It"s the international experience/exposure that gets you the member position."
"Mine was something similar, except I went through a concert test."
She turned to Jae-hee who was silent. "Jae-hee?"
Jae-hee asked, "Haruka wants you to make your international debut, but is that what you want?"
Oh.
Lila"s gaze softened, and she nodded, "It"s okay, I was a bit surprised when he told me. He looked almost desperate. But, it"s something I"ve been thinking about for a while now too. Although I gained the number one position, I lack so many things, and I have yet to see the world."
"You"re doing this because you want then?" Jae-hee repeated.
"That"s right. I"m still unsure exactly what Haruka wants from me, and I don"t know if I"ll be able to fulfill it.
Her thoughts broke off when Kotori-chan placed her hand on top of hers, "Then we will help you find it."
The other two follow her action.
"I will help you; I intend to do so even now. So don"t hesitate to ask me." Maika brought up.
Jae-hee smiled, "Why so stiff you two? Aren"t we friends?"
Kotori winked, "That"s right, no need to hold back. If you ever need anything, just ask."
Maika nodded, "Right, this applies to you two as well."
Her gaze softened at the sight, Lila is glad. She can slowly form other relations.h.i.+ps now. At the start, she didn"t have time for it.