Dream Star 350 Difference

"Well, relax, I'll protect you when Karas.h.i.+ma isn't around. They won't say a word if they see how close friends we are, right?" Kiryu said.

Lila didn't know how Kiryu did it. He always had a way with words, but he's able to dispell her unease quickly. He said he would protect her, that does make her happy while she isn't a weak woman who needs a man protecting her. Lila appreciated the sentiments.

The man named Austin Kiryu has always been different than all the other guys. She doesn't know how to explain it. Sure he's handsome, smart, talented and a kind person. But there are many guys with those traits. Many who have treated her with such kindness, and yet in the end of the day tossed her away like garbage the moment she stopped being useful to them. Or the moment they figured out they couldn't exploit her anymore. So, why Lila wondered is Kiryu 'different' to her? She can't describe it in words.

Since the two of them were crouching down and not sitting on proper chairs, it didn't take long before her legs felt numb, Kiryu must have noticed since he picked her up and propped her on to his lap, "W-what are you doing?"

"You should use me as a chair; your legs hurt, right?"

She's flattered that he noticed.

But, Lila knew what this would look like to others walking by. If they weren't already calling her a s.l.u.t before then they would certainly do so now; however, Kiryu didn't let her go, "Just let me, just this once."

Let him do what? Lila knew she was panicking - if the closeness from before wasn't close enough then they were certainly close now. This is bad; she can smell him. Lila knew she had a strange and uncontrollable scent fetish. But it becomes especially bad when Kiryu gets near her.

This is another thing she doesn't understand. While Haruka smelled nice, and she likes sniffing his neck and all that. She doesn't end up panicking like she does with Kiryu. Lila didn't know exactly what that meant, but she does know that Kiryu winning over Haruka on something physical related was not a good sign.

.....

"Thanks for helping me," Kiryu thanked her as they left the stable. The only way for Lila to escape that situation was to say that Haruka was calling for her. Which, of course, was a lie; she received no such message regarding his whereabouts. Lila supposed this meant she was going to have to look for him herself.

"Your welcome."

Kiryu smiled, "Were throwing a barbeque party after this, are you coming?"

"I can go?"

"Of course."

"Barbeque in this weather?"

"It's still warm out, and there will be great music," Kiryu smiled knowingly. Lila knew what that meant, 'he will perform,' it's been a long time since she last saw him perform. So, Lila had to admit she was a bit curious.

"Okay, can Haruka go too?" Lila asked.

"Yeah, bring him along. You can invite your other friends too."

Lila nodded, and with that exchange, she watched as Kiryu walked away. No sooner had he gone, Lila slumped to the ground and buried her face in her arms. What just transpired between them was still so very clear in her head.

…
Universal Star Academy - Main Courtyard -

The next time she sees Haruka is during the barbeque party. Lila sent him a message about it since she couldn't find him earlier. He wasn't alone; however, Aizawa Mei was there, and she was laughing about something he said. Lila frowned, even if they are just friends - it doesn't change the fact that Haruka didn't contact her. So she marched over and linked her arms with him, "Haruka, I found you,"

"Mmm, that you did," his gaze immediately softened, "Sorry for bailing, my phone died."

"That's no good, next time, you should charge your phone," Lila leaned into his arm before she decided to hug him instead, "Haruka, you smell nice."

Haruka smiled, "I guess I do, same with you. Wearing perfume?"

"A little," she tends to carry a bottle around these days. Haruka got her that expensive perfume kit as a departure gift earlier this year. But Lila never got around to using it before.

"S-sorry, I have somewhere I want to go," Mei said.

"Huh? Well alright, see you later," Haruka said goodbye to her, but he was only half paying attention. Lila was aware that his focus was on her and that relieved her. His arms wrapped around her waist, fingers seemed to brush against her skirt, "You look pretty."

Kiryu told her it was a simple barbeque party. But a party held in Universal Star Academy is never simple. That's why Lila called Kotori to bring her a change or clothes.

"Haruka, you were with her all this time?"

Lila didn't hide how jealous she was.

Haruka smiled, "I like it when you're jealous."

"Be serious here."

"No, it was just an hour ago. Sophia was here too, but she's gone now."

Lila wondered what business Sophia had on the school grounds. Though the girl kept insisting she isn't the enemy and all that. Lila wasn't going to let her guard down with that woman anymore. Look what happened the last time she believed her. Haruka ended up meeting Aizawa Mei and even kissed her. The image from that day would replay in her mind whenever she saw them together.

"So, what do you want to do? We could do more of this," Haruka was referring to his arms wrapped around her waist.

"Okay."

Haruka seemed surprised that she agreed but took her hand and silently led her away from everyone. Hands on her clothing, as he pressed her against a tree and started to kiss her.

"Nngh, nngh, ughnn.."

"Cute," Haruka murmured, "So beautiful "

Beautiful? She doesn't feel particularly attractive right now. But, she wants to dispell his unease.

..
While Haruka fetched her something to eat, Lila's gaze remained on Kiryu, who was looking over at her. He was mingling with some other people. People she had never seen before. Kiryu must have caught her watching since he looked over.

He smiled before he walked over with a plate, "Have some, they're delicious."

"Kiryu, you have friends," Lila pointed out as she accepted the food.

His sweat fell at her words, "Of course."

"But you didn't have any before."

"Well," Kiryu trailed off, "You'd hate if I were alone, right? That motivated me a bit."

Is that so? Then again, Kiryu did not have friends before. He was always taking care of her. Her thoughts broke off when she felt somebody approach and looked up to see maroon colored hair carrying a plate.

"Haruka."

"Here's your food."

Lila sensed his icy tone and hugged him, "Let's find a place to sit down?"

"Yeah," Haruka was still glaring at Kiryu even when they were already walking away. But really, what could she do about it? Kiryu and her are in this process of becoming friends. It will be difficult to do so if they can't interact during events.

Haruka, however, wasn't happy and started to kiss her again the moment they found somewhere to sit, "Haruka, let me eat."

"..."

"Don't be so silly. We only exchanged a few words, okay?"

He can't seriously be getting jealous over this. There have been plenty of other occasions where he could have gotten jealous, but he didn't. Haruka looked like he wanted to say something, but refrained from doing so. He was probably trying to tone down his jealousy vibes. Sure, she was jealous earlier when she saw him with Aizawa Mei. But she didn't give Aizawa any death glares.

Haruka nodded, "I get that much. But I don't like how he looks at you."

"How he looks at me?"

"His eyes show they are still in love with you, and the surrounding people can see that."

So that's what's bothering him. But what could she do about it?

..
Austin Kiryu has always differed from other people. Since she met him when they were both four years old, since they made that pact - Lila used her whole time to observe every single little detail about him. But even then Lila found new things to like about him, like right now. The guys started a strange compet.i.tion of strength, to show off to the girls. Kiryu, however, didn't take part until he saw that the old grandma needed help walking. While everybody chose a young person to carry, Kiryu chose the grandma.

Lila didn't like the game very much. Why put that old person in the middle of all the young people? It's like somebody was making fun of her presence in the party. But now Kotori is telling her that Selichan was the one who chose the game.

'Of course, it's that woman.' Lila originally had no problems with her. But the girl keeps causing more and more problems. It seemed like she would have to deal with her soon. Lila didn't want to; she felt like the girl was an utterly waste of her time. However, at this rate, her gaze fell on Kiryu. He's going to keep on suffering. As long as Selichan is around, Kiryu won't get any peace. Because Selichan is an excellent p.a.w.n, isn't that right Rosalichan?

Though the girl hadn't made her presence known, Lila saw the woman speak with Selichan earlier. Selichan can't do anything devious by herself, even if the girl changed so much. Certain traits remain the same. She can't disregard her initial shy nature just like that. But if she paired up with somebody who schemed a lot, well then it would lead to this.