Friday 12th June 2022, Sumire and Yuhi's home.
Yuhi's gaze fell on the girl, still fast asleep in his arms. He recalls the details of the previous night and exhales deeply. 'I almost forgot how she has a bad habit of teasing me.' How can she be so daring and yet so innocent at the same time? It will drive him crazy not being able to touch her like this.
But that was the first time where it felt like they truly connected. The rumors about him becoming soft aren't a lie. Ever since he started dating her, he no longer feels like himself.
"Mmm, my dear?" He hears a sleepy voice to see Sumire half awake.
Yuhi kisses her eyelids, nose, and lips. The kiss on the lips lasted longer than a few seconds.
"You were amazing last night. Thank you."
Sumire laughs softly. "I will admit that it was a bit embarrassing for me. But I am glad that you're happy, Yuhi."
Damn, now he truly doesn't want to leave her.
"Are you going to be staying with me for the rest of the day? We don't have lessons, but since we are part of the festival committee, chances are we will get dragged around."
"I did promise to help out at a few stalls. If you don't mind helping too, Yuhi-san, we can do it together."
Yuhi sighed deeply. However, he feels relieved that Sumire is getting along with others better now. It's upsetting how much of her attention they are taking from him. His thoughts break off when Sumire sits up, and the blanket slips, revealing her bare skin.
He felt his heartbeat increase.
She rubbed her eyes and yawned. "My dear? Is it still early? I'd like to get some more rest."
"It's only six; sleep a bit longer."
"But we have to be there early, maybe we should get ready now."
Yuhi shook his head and pushed her back down as he joined her. "I want to sleep more too."
"Then, you can spoil me more, Yuhi."
Spoil her more, huh? Yuhi watched as the girl snuggled up against him. Today they were supposed to get married. However, there hasn't been any negative news because of Takayama's interference. What will happen after they go?
He ran his hands through her hair. 'I need to make sure everything is okay before I leave. Give Atsuro strict instructions, and there is that person too; he would certainly be an asset if something went wrong.'
"My dear, I will miss this," Sumire mumbled softly.
"You can still change your mind." Yuhi reminded her.
Although the initial deadline had passed, Takayama mentioned that if somebody else dropped out, Sumire would be the first person they'd consider. He put her name down on the list just in case.
"No, there is no need. I have to help Ru."
'It upsets me after all, even though I understand that she is not doing this because she still likes Mamoru.'
"My dear, you can't flirt with any girls or look too handsome."
Yuhi blinked, hearing her words. "Is this why you tried to pack my suitcase with strange clothes?"
Hino had to stop her and remind her that if she did that, it would ruin his image.
"Don't laugh. This is a serious matter. Listen up, Yuhi, if a girl even remotely gets close to you, I will be very upset!"
"It's the same for me. Limit your secret rendezvous with Hino, okay?"
Sumire tilted her head puzzled. "But Yuhi, Hino is coming with you, right?"
"Huh?"
"I mean, I know he is my manager now. But every time you have a work trip, he has always gone with you."
Indeed, that has always been the arrangement. However, doesn't Sumire realize? Since Hino has become her manager, Hino has no longer followed him around. But would it be different since he is going abroad?
Since he has been avoiding Sumire for the past week, unfortunately, he has not seen Hino much. They haven't spoken about whether or not he would be coming too.
"I see. Then limit your rendezvous with Nagawa."
"Mm okay, my dear! What else?"
"You have to video chat with me whenever you go anywhere."
Sumire blinked, surprised. "But, my dear. Normally you don't like talking on the phone. But now you're suggesting video chatting-"
"I'd like to see your face every day, even if I can't touch it for a while. I still want to look at you." Yuhi admitted.
Or rather, he spends so much time staring at her. If he suddenly stops, there will be a problem.
"Then, Yuhi-san, you have to send me letters!"
Huh? Letters? But if they are video chatting every day, does he need to send a letter? Seeing her enthusiastic expression, however, Yuhi found himself nodding, and Sumire leaned forward and kissed him. For a moment, he is startled but chuckles softly. So much for going back to sleep.
...
Iro Road High School - A few hours later.
Ever since he signed the contract, he has been dreading the day he would have to part with her. His fellow team members were in the middle of their solo performances, while he found himself in the corridor in the main building, not the auditorium where the concert was being held.
'I need to go there soon, but just for a short while.' Yuhi's gaze fell on his surroundings. It's strange; it's not like him to be so sentimental. But he spent the past three years in this place. To think, after today, he won't be here anymore.
He has been here for two extra years than Sumire, and yet it was only the year where she came where he started to get attached to this place. Before she came, he seldom attended lessons since he had had enough credits for graduation for a long time now.
If he had continued on with poor attendance, it might have been difficult for him to graduate this year. But because Sumire kept saying she liked guys who were punctual, he found himself attending more.
"We take these days for granted, and before we know it, our surroundings have changed." A familiar voice said.
Yuhi sighed deeply. "Just because you are her manager doesn't mean you can start quoting her lines."
"You're being petty over the strangest stuff."
Yuhi recalled his conversation with Sumire the other day.
"So hey you-"
"I'm staying here," Hino replied immediately.
"I thought so. Sumire doesn't know that, though; she thinks your coming with me."
"I did consider going with you, but you don't need me anymore. You have the guys in M5. I am sure they will take good care of you and stop you from being reckless. A fine example happened recently when you almost went into a bar, and Iwa dragged you away."
Yuhi sighed deeply. "Is that being looked after? I feel like he was releasing his pent-up grudge against me."
"But that's why you don't need me. You would be more reassured if I stayed here too, right?"
At those words, Yuhi nodded. "Atushi and Jae returned at the right time. But those two will be busy. I need somebody who will solely focus on Sumire."
"To be honest with you. I know she practically forced you to accept. But I thought you would be more stubborn."
"It's because even when she was saying those cold words, I saw her tears. I knew she was struggling to even speak. That's why I made a show off storming off."
"Because of that, I could kiss her, so maybe I should thank you."
Yuhi sighed deeply. "You say kiss, but it was just CPR."
"It's still our lips touching."
The mere thought of it bothered him, but he knew better than to unleash his temper. If Hino didn't do that, Sumire would have been in serious danger.
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