Yuhi's gaze softened hearing her words. Right, he worked hard for that. He worked hard so she could live a normal life. When she first came here, Yuhi didn't know what to do at first. He knew eventually he would have to say something about the entertainment industry. But before that, he had to do something about her fear towards people.
He even started to attend school for her sake, and even though he hates crowds. He still actively participated in things that he normally wouldn't have just for her sake. It was all for her, all so she could smile again.
All of his efforts paid off since she can now say something like this to him.
Yuhi clasped their hands. "It seems I lack confidence."
"It's not your fault; my behavior would puzzle anybody. But there is no doubt that you are the person who understands me the most."
Understand huh? "You know what happened to that song?"
"Song?"
"Before you disappeared for two months, you would sneak into the abandoned music room in school even though it was the holidays and play the piano."
At those words, her cheeks colored, and he laughed. "It is nothing to be embarrassed about. I have done this too."
Sumire puffed her cheeks. "It was supposed to be a secret; of course, I feel weird getting exposed this way."
"So?"
"Well, I was thinking of performing it for the Tv performance."
"TV?"
"Ah, I forgot to mention this. It was something Sano arranged for me two months ago. You know I don't like using connections, but the offer was too good to resist."
Once he heard the name of the program, Yuhi had to admit he was impressed.
"On the twenty-third?"
Sumire nodded, and his lips curved to a smile. He stopped himself from saying that he would be performing too. It would be better to surprise her.
"I won't be appearing until halfway through the program. They are having two male idol groups compete against each other. Then the second segment, the winner's representative will dance with one of the female artists. Unfortunately, I am a popular choice for that, and it seems like I was accepted as a guest for that purpose. I will be singing during the third segment, but it seems I have to appear for the second one too."
Sumire seemed bothered by this, but Yuhi was delighted.
This girl has no idea that he will be on the program. Naturally, he already knew he would win since the other group was nothing. The group's representative is the center, so it will be him. How surprised will she be when he chooses to dance with her?
Yuhi quickly decided to keep this for himself.
"Yuhi-san, are you busy that day? It feels like I am going to need you more than ever for an energy boost."
"Mmm, you know, normally I would love that, but I actually have work that day."
When he saw her dejected expression, Yuhi struggled not to laugh.
Now he is even more excited to see her expression.
"I guess I have to make do and attack you a lot in the morning instead."
Yuhi blinked when he heard her response. She really has gotten bolder; then again, sometimes it is hard for him to tell whether she likes getting intimate. He knew how bad her social anxiety was. It is hard for her to interact with others, so having a boyfriend and getting close to them might be a challenge for her.
Of course, he considered all of this before he asked her out. But even then, he went through with it, he took the risk, and it paid off since she can say these things.
"Are you sure?"
"Mm, I like being close to Yuhi."
If she puts it that way, then he won't disagree with her. "I cant wait to see you sing again." Yuhi liked spending these peaceful everyday with her and liked seeing her live a normal life.
But occasionally, he would get an image in his head of a girl wearing a bright red dress and singing on stage. Sumire can continue living a normal life. He could do something about the media; initially, he planned to do this. He saw how much she was settling in and decided this would be for the best.
Yet, that image wouldn't disappear.
Yuhi watched as she extended her hand out towards the sky. "I truly like singing, Yuhi."
"I see."
"That's why I have to go back."
Yuhi didn't say anything to that and extended his hand out to pat her hair. No matter what, she decides he will be there for her. Even though she is trembling, right now, her voice has so much conviction.
They exited the train station platform when they saw more people. "By the way, Yuhi-san, I have a question for you."
"A question?"
"A few times since that snowy concert a few years ago. I felt like I saw you around. Was it just my imagination?"
At those words, he immediately averted his gaze. What is with this trap question? Why did she suddenly mention this? Yuhi took one look at her and knew he couldn't get out of this easily.
"Yeah. But you know it was only-" Yuhi's sentence fell short when he saw something odd. The girl's cheeks had turned red all the way to her ears, and she was looking down.
Geez, he really can't win with her. Yuhi cupped her cheeks, halting her in her tracks. Yuhi did a quick scan of their surroundings and didn't see anybody else. The street was oddly quiet. "I have loved you this entire time. Does it surprise you?"
"Well." Sumire laughed. "It does a little. I didn't think you would not only secretly watch over me but also visit me."
"I wanted to approach you numerous times. But I felt that I would get in the way of the bonds you were forming with other people." Indeed, if he showed himself before her, she wouldn't have gotten so close with the guys in Nanairo feather or those girls.
She would have focused solely on him.
"Mm, I understand." She leaned into his palm. "Regardless, I am very happy. You know how I am towards romance Yuhi-san. I don't think I deserve such a beautiful thing, but you showed me that somebody like me could have something like that."
"You deserve the world and so much more."
Sumire chuckled, and her gaze softened as she brushed their forehead against each other.
"What is it?"
"Thank you."
It was just a mere two words, but Yuhi felt her strong conviction again.
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