Dream Star

Starlight Dome (August 2035)

The last thing Haruka wanted to do was return to the party. However, his cute girlfriend wasn't having it. But what irked him was the girls' clothing.

Indeed, what bothered him the most right now was her clothes. The color representing another man aside, the fact that she looked so damned adorable in it wasn't helping his current situation as a ' bodyguard.' She's too adorable and what's with that having to smile at those disgusting political members?

It irked him, though it's part of her role.

She really has some nerve smiling like that towards other men in front of him. Yet every so often he felt Lila glance over at his way and showed him an apologetic look. Well no matter, it seemed like he wasn't the only one watching her.

Several times already, he felt the girl stare at him. Heh, well now that's bold of her. Though perhaps he had been overreacting. Contrary to what happened in the balcony, nobody else from that side has bothered her.

Even so, Haruka did not intend to let the girl out of his sight. It's rare her appearance is like this too, so he wanted to take in as much of it as he could.

"You really couldn't leave her in our hands I see. I told you she would be fine."

His thoughts broke off when he spotted lilac hair.

The lilac hair girl wasn't alone; she was accompanied by two others Ichinose Oujiro and Senbi Takeshi. It surprised Haruka seeing the latter, isn't he supposed to be busy?

"That's right! Nothing will happen to her with us by her side," Oujiro exclaimed.

"You're too loud as usual," Takeshi trailed off, "Besides we aren't completely guilt free."

"I… understand that. But this time around we will…."

Haruka sighed when he saw the desperate look on Ichinose Oujiro's face.

"Fret not; I didn't come here because I believe you're incapable.' Indeed Haruka knew for sure that this time around, they would all shield her if need be. Despite knowing that he came here, "My presence here is merely because I am concerned about her wellbeing. She does not look well tonight as you can see."

He didn't just make that up. The girl's complexion isn't as it should be. However, since he came late to the event, Haruka only just noticed it. Had he realized it beforehand then he would have made sure she did not attend and have her rest instead.

"That's right, there's no way this man can play guard correctly," Ritsuko nodded.

At that comment, his eyes twitched in annoyance, "For a while now; it seems like you've been having fun insulting me Ookoyama."

"Because it's rare that Karashima-dono graces us with his presence, I believe it's best to liven up the mood."

This woman ---!

"Even so holding a party like this after what happened is quite unusual isn't it?"

Certainly, Senbi had the right to be concerned. After all that has happened, to get rid of the rumors, you would not hold another party till a certain period has gone past.

"Ritsuko-chan, did you hear anything from Sumire-san?"

"Not at all. She did mention though we ought not to worry so much about the Princess well being in the elite world for a while that is."

Hmm?

Haruka raised his eyebrows at that comment, what's that supposed to mean? The redhead didn't get to question the lilac hair girl any further. Since his gaze fell on his girlfriend, who walked towards the piano. Noticing how unsteady she was in his feet though, his frown deepened. After she finishes singing, he's going to take her away from here.

....

The whole time she sang, Haruka couldn't help but admire the girl's beauty.

She really is too beautiful.

She's become a grown woman.

It seemed like no matter what he does; he can't erase her image in his mind. He wanted to devour her whole, mark her body entirely and claim her as his. Such thoughts may not be seen as ' love' in other peoples eyes. Is it just a desire - a lustful feeling? At first, the Haruka believed that to be the case and it was one of the reasons why he hesitated for such a long time. But once they dated, Haruka realized that there is so much more to his feelings. An imprinted beauty, Lila bowed before she started to dance.

"Super gorgeous. I'm glad, despite her running away from all those dance lessons in the past. She's become so refined now," Ritsuko said. The expressionless girl looked like she was on the verge of tears.

Oi oi Lila, should a normal princess be running away from her dance lessons? Then again, Haruka knew from the very beginning that Lila wasn't your average Princess. Still to escape ... Indeed, she's an amusing girl. As a young Princess, Haruka wonders about it countless times, how she lived her life then. That's why whenever he heard stories about the girls past, a smile would dawn on his face. After all, he could only be part of a small portion of her past.

Senbi Takeshi reached over and casually wipes her tears with a handkerchief, "Indeed that's true. She's no longer the child we once watched over."

It looks like they have noticed it. Despite how foolish their actions seem to be most of the time. But they are right; the current Terashima Lila is no longer a child. She is a splendid woman.

From now on the competition to win her heart will become even more challenging. Over the last few months, Lila had become exceptionally beautiful. They had always known that she would turn out to become a beauty. After all, look at her mother and father. But nobody expected her to turn out like this. She may not see the changes in herself, and all those around her may only see her change as a physical change. However, Haruka who spent a great deal of time watching her noticed things about her, that people usually overlooked. He spent many years watching her, and in his line of work - well let's just say it lead to him becoming a good listener.

The girl, no the woman named Terashima Lila is a bit of a complicated case. One second she would be easy to read then the next second it would become difficult. When they first started dating, Haruka noticed something change. She began to distance herself from him. Not physically hiding, but Lila started to to conceal what she was thinking.

But if that was the case, occasionally why does he get the feeling that the girl he loved so much had become a bit...distant? It's a pain when she's like that; it would be better for her to stop being so stubborn. After all, she clearly is suffering.

His thoughts broke when he spotted that Itsuki had made his way over. Lila too noticed.

"I humbly apologize for such a low-level dance."

"Not at all, it far exceeded my expectations. It truly is a breathtaking mountain flower dance. Let's ask another opinion since you do not believe in my words, Miss Kiku Ari."

Haruka frowned when he saw her turn pale again. Exactly what happened in the balcony? It's not like her to get this scared.

"Ah yes, since Karashima-dono is here for once. Let's ask him,"

All eyes suddenly fell on him. The reason he arrived late was to prevent others from noticing his presence.

Before Haruka made his way over, Ookoyama shifted over and whispered, "He's trying to provoke you. Do not fall for it."

"I know. Don't fret; look who you're talking to here."

"Indeed, that confidence of yours is your good trait."

Once Haruka made his way over to the front. A table placed in front of him. As they issued the servants to pour sake for him. Well, he supposed this would eventually happen, a few people noticed his presence on the way in already though he arrived late to avoid a direct announcement. People still saw him, and for a while now people have glanced his way and whispered amongst themselves.

Still, his gaze met amethyst for a split moment. She really is weak against Itsuko, huh? Despite being the most feared individual in the underground world, she's cowering under such a person. Then again, whatever Itsuki said to her must have frightened her.