July 2035 (Ball)In her whole career, in her years in the music industry. So few people challenged her. Once people found out who her parents were, who would dare? Many expressed their dislike of her. However, they couldn"t do anything about it.
-The shackle of my heart -
"Do not open the door to the cage.
There is a reason why the key is lost
and cannot be found.
If you open the door.
If you do, accept the consequences of your actions.
Inside, there"s a monster.
A monster which I have suppressed this whole time.
Whether you see me as a human or a monster, it doesn"t change the fact that I will always have shackle attached to my heart." Lila sang.
It"s not that they couldn"t. But it"s because of the respect her parents gained. Despite all that happened. Her parents gained the respect of even those who disliked them and had problems with them. Lila always wanted to be like them. She tried to gain that same respect. It didn"t take her long to understand how harsh the journey to achieve it was.
Lila heard murmurs isn"t this the same song from several people. But those words quickly disappeared as she focused on her singing.
"If you do find the key.
If you do open it
And accept the consequences.
Then I will face you wholeheartedly.
This shackle will never disappear
But if you"re beside me, perhaps the weight will lessen.
I"m a monster that doesn"t deserve anyone.
But if I confessed that perhaps I was waiting for that one special someone.
Then everything I said would all be contradictory.
The forbidden words I can"t say.
I love you; I love you, I love you.." Lila sang.
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A certain man wearing burst into laughter when Lila sang the song in several languages. Normally a move like this was risky since doing a random mix like this takes a lot of planning and practice. But little Lila can do it so easily.
Gee no matter where she goes she does attract a lot of attention. Ameno"s lips curve to a smile seeing the bright smile Lila wore on her face. Like this it"s settled, huh?
"So, are you going to show yourself in front of her yet?" Ameno asked.
The woman who he was with smiled, "After the first round. But well…" She stood up and leaned on the staircase railing. "Lila looks like she"s having so much fun with her singing; this is what I wanted to see."
"That"s true."
More than being a good singer, what"s important is that she"s enjoying her singing.
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"Haruka!" Lila said happily, "Did you see? I sang so well!"
Is it because of the singing she"s done these last few days? But there was something different now. Initially, it worried him, but it seems like Lila will be just fine.
…..............
"d.a.m.n," Haruka murmured once he safely got the girl away.
"Haruka?" Lila called out.
"I should have told you to go home," Haruka said, seeing her confusion. He quickly added, "Now that they"ve laid eyes on your beauty, they won"t stop bothering you."
Lila laughed, "Um, but isn"t that why your here to protect me?"
Well, that"s true.
Protect, huh? "Do you know what my powers are?" Haruka asked.
"Ah?"
"Well, I figured I probably ought to inform you since you don"t know," Haruka said. "But I suppose we can talk about this when we get back."
When they get back, he will find a way to avoid it like he usually does. So Lila changed the topic before she became emotional.
_______________________________________________________________________________
"Haruka, what"s with the mask?" Lila suddenly asked. Seeing how swiftly she changed the topic, Haruka understood. She really ought to get angry at him, she ought to ask more. He shook his head, not now.
"Huh? Oh, it"s a masquerade theme when it turns 8…" Haruka trailed off. He saw Lila"s confused expression. Did n.o.body tell her? "I have another mask, do you want it? Might be too big."
Lila"s eyes lit up, and he rummaged through his pocket and found it. "Here."
"Wah, it"s beautiful." Seeing her bright eyes as she examined the mask, his gaze softened.
Haruka loosened his tie and noticed Lila panic.
"You don"t have to freak out."
"S-sorry." Lila stammered.
It amused him though. Lila is very charming.
He reached over and pulled her into his arms, "Can we cuddle and relax? Before we have to head back inside."
"Yes.." Lila mumbled.
Haruka really does want to remain with her like this. He doesn"t want to let her go. "Haruka, are you all right?" Lila asked, sensing his concern. She"s sharp as usual.
"Do you miss him?" Haruka whispered.
Lila paused but nodded. "I do."
"Yeah, I figured."
He can"t deny it any longer. But it doesn"t make him happy talking about it. "I miss him, but somehow yeah this is okay," Lila said. "Being with you."
"Huh?" Haruka said puzzled. He stared at her, what did she mean by those words...He paused seeing the gentle look on her face. Oh.
Lila laughed softly, "How to put it? I like you Haruka a lot. That"s why, even if my feelings for Kiryu won"t go away. I know which feeling I want to prioritize, which one is more important to me."
"How come.."
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After speaking with some people, Lila rushed to find Haruka again. He was no longer in the same location as before. But it didn"t take her long to find him. He was by himself in the balcony. His elegant figure seemed to blend in well with the background, and for a moment she froze. Lila stared at him for a few minutes before she called out to him, "Haruka."
"And who may you be?"
For a split second his words confused Lila before she realized something. "The lady that wishes to ask you to dance. Nice to meet you, Mr das.h.i.+ng stranger. "she laughed, "You look strangely like my boyfriend."
He smiled, "And you look like my girl." She wanted to laugh more but noticed the look in his eyes. They are both being silly. But n.o.body would break this act soon. Haruka pulled her towards him, and the two of them danced.
...........…
We spent the next few minutes dancing; no words escaped between them. Lila found herself lost in the dance, and the music playing in the background.
His gaze on hers snapped her out of her thoughts. He was close, so close to her. She could feel his warmth. She wanted to pull him closer, but in this place that would be bad. If she were the first one to make a move, won"t that show how attached she is? They"re dating now so that shouldn"t be a problem. But.
Haruka wrapped his arms slide around her waist, drawing her closer. She felt his lips getting dangerously close. But every time it did, he would pull away. Lila didn"t let her guard down, being this close to him. She understood. Haruka wants her, but in a place like this, he won"t jump on her. Haruka won"t destroy this precious moment. As she thought this his lips fell on hers.
Lilas" eyes widened as she felt the tear slip down from her eyes. Haruka wiped her tears away. Before his hands returned to her waist and they continued dancing. "Don"t cry... I understand what you"re thinking. But I"ll treat you well Lila like I promised you. It"s fine to love Austin Kiryu; I won"t stop you. But, as long as you put me first…"
He"s so stupid, stupid. Doesn"t he understand? Her mind, her thoughts are filled with him and only him. Haruka seemed surprised when she started the next kiss. But he allowed her.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" Haruka asked.
"That"s my line.." Lila murmured.
Haruka smiled. "We have a lot of things we have to talk about it seems."
"I want to talk about it slowly; I don"t want to rush. But if it"s something really important. Haruka, don"t hide it from me. The same goes for me; I won"t hide anything important to you anymore.."