Dream Star

Once the redhead woman left, she turned to Haruka who called somebody. Sensing how urgent his tone was, Lila said nothing. She can't disturb him, but Lila wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his arms. She can make him feel comfortable.

"Sorry for making you worry," Haruka murmured.

"Ah-huh, I'm okay."

Though it looked like Eliza wanted to say something to her the whole time, the woman never got the chance to since Haruka held her in his arms so protectively.

"The party is tonight; what are you wearing?" Haruka swiftly changed the topic. While Lila wanted to make a few more inquiries, she knew better than to do so during his present state.

Lila looked up, "Ah, well I decided--" she trailed off when she saw the look in his eyes. Lila looked down, "What do you want me to wear Haruka?"

"That's a good topic," his lips grazed against her skin, "Why don't I take you home now so we can decide?"

"Take me home? But um, I still have practice."

"You're canceling that."

Since when? He may be her boyfriend, but it's unreasonable for him to act in this manner all the time. What's more, he's a professional judge too. Lila kept this all to herself this whole time. But recently the number of glares she receives from fellow contestants have increased. Even though her performance was excellent, many people don't think she deserves it because of her 'relaxed' attitude. Though Lila worked plenty hard, other people can't see it because Haruka keeps taking her away from practice. But, whenever he got like this. It's usually whenever there is something on his mind.

Sure enough, when Lila looked at the expression in his eyes, she saw something there. Lila wrapped her arms around his neck and murmured softly, "Do I have to wait until we get back?"

His control broke in seconds, and she was on the ground. His hungry lips on her neck, "Lila, Lila, Lila," Haruka repeated her name like she was in a trance. It took her by surprise really; lately, he keeps using her name.

...

Starlight Dome Ballroom - a few hours later-

Lila didn't think he would be late. He left before her, so she expected to see him here but after searching for a good 45 minutes. Lila couldn't find him at all. Then again, it didn't help how came flocking in huge groups every time they spotted her. After she found the place blind spots, she quickly made her way out onto the balcony and deeply sighed. Since coming to London, she thinks the two of them have gotten closer with each other. But it's not enough for her. A deep sigh passed her lips; she wonders when did she become so selfish? In the past when she dated Kiryu, she wasn't like this.

If she told him much sooner that she didn't like it, then perhaps something would have changed? If she confessed her feelings much sooner than maybe — Lila shook her head. What use is there in thinking about things like this now? The person she is in a relationship with now is the man named Karashima Haruka. He has thoroughly possessed everything about her.

Possessed, huh? Lila understood that a seed of desire existed in everybody. Hanyou or not. Pure breed or not. However, since she started her relationship with Haruka, Lila discovered that the seed of desire inside her is a lot stronger than most people. That's surely not normal.

Her thoughts broke off when she felt a menacing presence behind her. Lila felt herself shiver - and turned around, only to find a particular brunette hair judge wearing a lilac-colored tuxedo. Did it come from him? But she saw the bright smile on the man's face. It can't be. While it's easy to fake a smile, she doubts a person like this would have such murderous intentions.

"Kaname-san," Lila greeted.

"Is there something wrong? Heavy sighs have plagued you for a while?"

Lila shook her head, before she continued, "I was looking for Haruka."

"Oh? You don't know? Sophia invited him out for a few drinks. So I'm sure he is with her now."

Lila flinched at the mention of the blonde hair woman. Unlike Linda, Sophia was an entirely different matter. Lila got the same vibes she did with Rosalia-chan from that girl. So she felt uncomfortable. Haruka wouldn't go see her without mentioning anything, so it's most likely a bluff. After the last time, the two of them spoke, and it concluded with him informing her if he would meet her. He said nothing to her, so the most likely scenario is that Kaname-san is lying. But Lila couldn't figure out why he would do something like that.

Just as she thought this, Lila watched as Itsuki's expression change. A cold look flashed through his eyes. Sensing the sudden danger, Lila turned to return to the room when he grabbed hold of her wrist and yanked her towards him. Usually, she could break free of anybody's grasp because of her powers. However, since she started her journey, her health has depleted dramatically. So even something as simple as this is hard to break free of.

"Let me go."

To her surprise, he lets her go, but closed the balcony door and shut the curtains too.

"..."

"Now Miss Kiku Ari, no Terashima Lila."

Lila froze at his words, but she shook her head. Somebody had to confirm her entry into this tournament as Kiku Ari. It must have been Itsuki who did it since none of the other judges knew who she was.

"What?"

Itsuki smiled, "So you're not that much of a brainless fool. If you continued to lie, I'd start to suspect that you really were plotting something. But well, even without it my opinion has not changed."

What? Lila didn't understand this man's words, but she noticed, that he was gradually moving her towards the balcony ledge. It didn't take long before her back hit the ledge. She felt goosebumps on her skin as he inched closer to her. Lila already had a bad feeling about him from the start. But because he was Haruka's friend, she tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. It seems like she shouldn't have done that. He brushes his lips against her hair, then her cheeks. Lila shuddered.

"Such a fair beauty, you have a lovely voice too. I do see why Haruka is attracted to you. But I must ask exactly what are your intentions?"

"I have no intentions, but I do have my dreams. Goals," Lila corrected herself. This guy definitely isn't the type to listen to her talk about her dreams. She continued despite her fear, "Because I want not only to be a top idol, I want to become my ideal idol."

The 'ideal' her, somebody who is brave, courageous and — her thoughts broke off when Itsuki burst into laughter. It felt so sinister and eerie, Lila wanted nothing more than to escape from his hold. But he clearly would not let her escape.