*UNEDITED*March 2036 - New York - A week later - 9:45am
A week has pa.s.sed since then, since they arrived in New York. Lila slept for the first three days though. She didn"t understand why she was so tired and drained but she slept like a baby for three days. When she did wake up though, Haruka was very kind and attentive to her. He asked her what she wanted to do, and he prepared everything for her. He bought her new clothes and introduced her to some people so she would have some work to keep her going. This maybe an unofficial vacation, but she still has to do idol work.
"He"s late." Lila thought as she looked at her watch. Then again he did tell her this morning that he would be. He also mentioned not to wait for him outside. But Lila still felt weird about being in this place. She initially waited inside the coffee shop, but she stood out. Despite her hat and gla.s.ses, many people stared at her. She was the only Asian customer, and some recognized her. They were holding up their phones and comparing. So she quickly left before anybody made the connection.
Lila didn"t think she was famous internationally.
Her thoughts broke off when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist. Lila looked up and pouted. "My husband, you"re late."
Haruka looked at her with a distressed expression. "I"m late, yeah. But what are you doing out here?!!"
"Waiting for you."
"Very funny. Don"t act smart with me. The weather here is colder than in j.a.pan. Your hands are freezing." He mumbled.
"But waiting inside was boring and people were staring at me."
"You have to get used to that. Sure there are many different people living in this land. But it"s still rare seeing Asians in this place." Haruka removed his scarf and wrapped it around his neck. He removed his coat and draped it around her shoulders.
Lila was about to comment what about him when she saw his clothing. He wore another thick layered coat. She blinked, "Aren"t you too prepared?"
"I"ve come here before so I know what the weather is like." Haruka squeezed her hands. "Let"s buy you some more clothes."
"I had thick clothing but somebody kidnapped me without raking my belongings."
"You know I had to." Haruka sighed. "Rikka was causing a fuss after you pa.s.sed out. I had to take you away quickly."
"Hmmm." Lila turned to him. "After not seeing your mistress for awhile, you seem indifferent."
Haruka sighed. "Alright you, don"t mess around."
Lila laughed. "I"m joking."
But Haruka does seem indifferent now. This was a good idea, coming here. Lila snuggled into his hold and Haruka chuckled. "Want to go to a hotel wife? Your clingy."
"No, tell me why you were late first."
The two of them are interrupted by the sound of the huge TV. The news discussed the upcoming tournaments. One of the entries caught her attention. The name "Kotori."
So Kiryu must have persuaded her.
"Eh?"
"I heard Kiryu spoke with her about it."
Sumire smiles. "I"m glad that those two are getting along.
For awhile she was a bit concerned. The media manipulated the news and it strained the two"s friends.h.i.+p.
Haruka her cheeks. "Oi... you"re thinking about Kiryu again."
"Dont worry. Right now there is only one person I love."
Haruka looked away. "d.a.m.n you win."
Lila smiled. "I feel so happy." Haruka had become more honest with himself and didn"t act like his jerky self. He didn"t play around anymore, rather he did something humble and went around apologising to all the girls he played around with. Even letting himself get hit and beat up, he really didn"t mind his pride getting damaged.
Still, there was one person left unsettled. Her husband still hasn"t done anything about Rikksan. Then again with them being in New York, it was difficult.
"This years Queen Cup theme is Towards the endless Sky."
Endless sky huh? A future theme. Last years theme was vague in comparison. She wanted to see it if there would be anyone who could challenge her.
"Endless sky eh. That"s a orthedox theme. What will you be doing Princess?"
"I"m not sure yet. But I will come up with something."
"If you want I can inspire you."
Lila rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes." Her sentence fell short when she felt his hands on her tights. She shuddered. "Husband, were in public. Please don"t be stupid."
"What"s stupid wife? Explain it to me." He licked her ear and Lila let out a strange voice.
"Mmmm, this is weird." Lila mumbled. "Don"t do this here, let"s go back home."
"No, weren"t we going shopping today?"
Before Lila could reply to him, she heard a familiar voice on the TV. She glanced over and spotted her sister on the TV screen.
"The idol world is forever evolving. The Queen cup has proved that the hos.h.i.+ worlds sparkle will only carry on glowing from now onwards."
"Kyoko-san what do you think of your sister? There have been loads of rumours lately, that she may already be at her limit. So many years have pa.s.sed since she became an idol. This business after all. She is almost eighteen- this may be the perfect time for her to retire and step down."
"Certainly it would be fairer if she gave other people a chance."
Lila sighed, "Step down?" She understood how they felt. While only a year has pa.s.sed since she became a number one idol. She already occupied so many opportunities.
She shook her head, that isn"t right. It would be unfair for the others if she forfeits now. All of them are working hard and non stop in order to be able to beat her. They are all putting in so much effort, so there is no way she will back down.
"I don"t believe that"s the case." A familiar voice spoke up. Lila"s eyes widened when she saw Kiryu appear. It seemed like he was a special guest too.
Kiryu?
"I believe Teras.h.i.+ma Lila is the one who truly evolve the idol world. Without her radiance and sparkle, I believe that the idol world would be pretty stale and just follow rules and regulations instead." Kiryu turned to her sister. "Do you mind if I answer that question?"
"Go ahead."
"As to answer your question before. Her recent performance was wonderful. I can see that she really has come a long way since the start. As her partner I"m very proud of her."
He really is an idiot. But her gaze softened, "that"s what I wanted to hear." For the longest time she probably wanted Kiryu to acknowledge her.
"Hmmm you"re smiling for that guy again."
Lila smiles. "Is somebody jealous?"
"If I am?" Haruka shot back. He tightened his hold around her. "You really do like playing around with me too much."
Lila pouted. "Eh but lately your fangrls are stalking you everywhere. I"m the jealous one." The two of them laugh.
"I haven"t seen you around at all. Yet you play jokes straight off the bat?" Haruka said.
Lila grins. "It"s exactly because of that."
"I have a reason for being late."