Chapter: Once upon a time

~ Another laboriously created chapter>. <

Oh, and it's gotten nice and long again!

I hope you enjoy reading it ^ o ^ ~
Frosty, ice cold, arctic, hypothermic - no term would even come close to reflecting the current mood in the anthracite Mercedes. Coupled with a deafening silence, this was undoubtedly a prime example of non-existent harmony - or rather, all-dominating dissonance.

Resembling his face like a mask, unemotional and indifferent, Kai sat behind the wheel, his gaze fixed on the road. His hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that the knuckles protruded white, which noticeably shook the image of a dismissive and continuously disinterested Kai Hiwatari.

But Kai was not the only reason for the truly arctic climate inside the car.

The red-haired Russian on his right peddled with a no less passive and indifferent expression. He only looked out of the passenger window, his hands reverently folded in his lap, his eyes half closed and you might think that he didn't notice much of the hypothermic mood. However, Tala wouldn't be Tala if he couldn't hide displeasure and annoyance once and for all - except for the hard line of his brows, his face was more like that of a porcelain figure than a living being.

The fact that at Kai's breathtaking pace he could hardly see anything except racing shadows did not seem to attract any of the occupants and so Tala continued to stare intently into the passing scenery.
However, if you dared a look at the back seat, a real cold wave hit you, far below the bearable minus degrees and the icicles on the skin were almost noticeable.

The smug smile seemed to have settled in the blonde's face and in combination with the extraordinarily arrogant expression of her azure eyes, Eve looked like the personified superiority; concentrated complacency was reflected in her smile; the head leaning slightly against the window, the elegantly crossed legs, the sneering eyes - their entire posture triggered an almost natural defensive reaction.Leylan pressed himself sourly against the edge of the back seat and stared morosely out of the window, only casually registered the speeding environment, looked more or less through them with the thoughts completely elsewhere.

> That can't be true! How many tubes of superglue did you need to fix that ´perfect´ smile? And I'm still not one step further ... still no idea how to go about it. But she is also clever - nothing seeps through to the others. So if I push stress, I'm automatically the culprit ... tss, such a smart girl. <
Reluctantly, she had to admit to herself how skilfully Eve had proceeded, everything a little bit secret and largely unnoticed by the others. More than Eve's irritating behavior, however, Leylan's indecision was a pain in the ass. After all, she still couldn't think of a valid reason for the blond young woman's sudden dislike - there was simply nothing that could explain such hostility.

> Maybe she doesn't like the fact that Tala and I get on well? ... Oh nonsense, she is too intelligent and sensible to feel something as stupid as jealousy. "

Leylan grumbled that jealousy was and remained an impossible thought for her. Indeed, Leylan thought Eve was an extremely capable and clever person, so behind her aversion and the restrained attacks there must be something deeper, bigger and more complex than just such a simple feeling.

> Just what? <

Eve was watching Leylan out of the corner of her eye, and you could literally read Leylan's strained face. The corners of her mouth twitched.

> Hmm, you're slacking off, honey. I was told that you were tough, downright ´indestructible´ ... what opposes me, however, is ´nothing´ and will be mercilessly decimated. <

She giggled softly."We'll have a lot more fun together, Leylan."
Of all four, Eve was probably the happiest, in fact, downright incredibly cheerful. She continued to smile her perfect smile, her gaze now fixed on Tala's red head of hair in front of her. Leylan was getting so irritated that she wanted to kick Eve out of the moving car on the spot. Their mood sank with every meter they drove into the cellar - for them this car trip was a real martyrdom.

Not only did she have to sit in a car with Kai and Eve; her aim was in no way reassurance for her either.
She, and the rest of the team, were on their way to the first official press conference in half forever. The rest of the team sat in the car behind them, but had fallen a good three car lengths behind, as Ray could hardly reconcile such a fast pace with his principles. Leylan was well aware of how uncomfortable the following would be, after all, she had disappeared without a trace for over 3 ½ years. Unfortunately, the public was well informed about it. This made it clear what a quandary she was in: On the one hand, she couldn't possibly tell these impudent reporters the truth, and on the other hand, her lie would not withstand the investigative zeal of the reporters for long. They would turn Sendai upside down, feverishly search for her grandmother, question all kinds of people about her, and in the end she, Leylan, would be exposed. However, if she told this pack something different, something different from what she had served her friends, she would stand before them as a liar da- Eve would be right and Hilary would arrange the necessary propaganda ... she had to move quickly come up with something.
"It doesn't exist! I haven't seen so many people in a heap in a long time.", Tala marveled and stared at the crowd through the tinted windows with big eyes."I don't want to see them. Should you stay where the pepper grows.", Kai growled and angrily let the engine roar. Fans as well as reporters populated the forecourt of the BBA and let them crawl at a snail's pace that was extremely ´kai-untypical´. At the sound of the loud roaring engine, however, the crowd quickly parted and let the dark car pull up to the entrance.

"Oh, Kai- chan don't always be so grumpy. I honestly don't know why a block of ice like you is so adored.", Eve warbled as bright as a bell from behind and sent the irritated Russian a lovely smile.

> I'll kill her! How can Tala sleep in the SAME bed with such a fright? God send me strength! <

Unmoved, Eve maintained her cheerfulness and beamed lovingly at Tala, who turned in astonishment.

"The best thing to do is park here in front and we'll jump straight to the entrance.", Suggested Tala and looked disapprovingly at the crowd of people.

"I know where to park.", Kai growled back angrily and stared angrily at the approaching entrance. The red-haired young man gave his friend an annoyed look and then turned to Leylan: "Leylan is everything all right? And, have you got all the answers ready?"

It was meant succinctly, but it made Leylan jump out of her thoughts - Tala was dangerously close to reality!

She looked at him startled; he just cocked his head and grinned at her. Her sudden panic had not gone unnoticed by him, but it was only dismissed as emerging stage fright.

> Nothing! I still have no idea what to tell about it ... Damn it! I MUST stop being asked this stupid question! <
Kai stopped the car, they tore open their doors and dived for the entrance. Microphones were already being held up to each of them - they had their dearest effort to avoid overzealous reporters.With the exception of Tyson, who was already ready to give interviews, everyone rushed toward the door to save them.

Max grabbed Tyson by the sleeve, regardless of his cheer.

"Hey! What was that about? My fans wanted a short statement - I can thank them for their 'support', right?" Tyson roared as soon as they stood in the spacious lobby of the BBA. Max, annoyed, grabbed his head and replied: "Support? Thank you? That I don't laugh - you just wanted to be told again how 'great' you are. Maaan Ty, you are a damn rampage pig."

Both looked at each other angrily and just as Tyson was about to start another roar, an unnecessarily hard blow hit him in the ribs and he gasped audibly.

"Hold the edge - now!"

Kai's voice cut through the air like a razor, nipping this utterly mindless discussion in the bud. The blue-haired boy pressed both hands against his aching rib and cursed the formidable team leader as often.
Then Mr. Dickenson came up to the group, greeted everyone with a warm handshake and motioned for them to come along.

"Oh, everyone is already very restless and eager to bombard you with questions.", The older man remarked happily. His cheerful words met not-so-cheerful faces, everyone's reluctance was clear to see ... except for Tyson and Eve. Tyson, since he was indeed a runaway pig and Eve, since as Mr. Dickenson's secretary she only had to sit on the edge and smile at those present.

With every step she got worse, her stomach constricted even more painfully and she broke into a cold sweat- Leylan tried desperately to keep the last of her calm, knowing how hopeless her misery was.

It was crystal clear and inevitable that the journalists present would ask her this hated question and it was just as crystal clear and inevitable that Leylan could not give an answer without getting into mighty trouble.Eve, as Mr. Dickenson's assistant, led the company in the mask; As soon as they were seated, about 10 make-up artists bustled into the room and immediately took action.

"Miss Lao, you really have wonderfully beautiful hair.", The young woman responsible for Leylan whispered and gave her a lovely smile in the mirror. Leylan was silent and the corners of her mouth twitched only weakly - again she was with her thoughts on avoiding the mess that was coming her way. Kai, who had taken a seat on the chair next to her, gave her a scrutinizing look from the side, inconspicuous and restrained. During the drive, he had already noticed how distracted and restless she looked, almost panicked - and that didn't