A treasure? He is talking about her, right? Why does this person care for her so much? Is she missing something? Back when they met, she was just a random fan. How come he seems to care so much for her? Did that night mean so much for him?
Sumire raised her head and cupped his cheeks. She wanted to search for her answers in his eyes. But unfortunately, she couldn't find anything.
"Yuhi-san, one day, will you tell me why?"
"Why?" He repeated.
"Why me." Sumire trailed off. "I feel like there is something wrong. I'm happy with you, but you know too much about me."
"That's because I openly stalk you."
"No." Sumire shook her head.
Something, she is missing something. Perhaps Yuhi knew her from before? She doesn't have any memories of a particular age. If Yuhi knew her from back then, his behavior is normal. But would that mean all of this is due to his obligation towards her? She wouldn't like that at all.
It is too soon to jump to conclusions.
"What's wrong?" Yuhi asked, concerned. "Do you feel sick again?"
"Nothing."
Yuhi bent down and kissed her again. "Don't worry about Touko. I will make sure she doesn't bother you."
'That's not what I'm worried about.' Some jealous woman is the least of her concerns now.
..
StarRise Stadium - An hour later -
The reason why her phone was ringing so much was because of Asami-san. When she saw the news, she immediately went to find him. The source of her new problem was Tachibana Masaru. A member of the male idol group Nanairo feather.
"Explain this!" Sumire pointed to her phone screen.
Guest Performer: IbukiSumire
Those were the only words written, but it naturally blew up.
"Are you listening?"
Masaru laughed as he paused the music. "Honestly, lady, is it that bad? You already sang recently."
"Your concerts usually have thrice the normal amount of people attending."
"Are you still saying you're afraid of people? You managed to attend school here for over a month."
It almost sounded like he was lecturing her. "The point is, you know I won't be able to do this!"
"I think you should go for it." Yuhi re-entered the room. "I finished talking to Hino, and many people are inquiring on the company website."
That many people are inquiring? Sumire bit her lip. She doesn't want to cause Yuhi trouble. She doesn't want to sing in front of such a large crowd but...
"Relax, I'm singing with you."
At that comment, her eyes widened. He is--?!!
"You're going to make her even more nervous."
Yuhi raised his eyebrow. "She will relax more with me."
She gets to sing with Yuhi? What one earth is happening right now? This must be a dream. To think she would get the opportunity to sing with Yuhi. Even though they are dating now, Yuhi is still one of the people she admires the most.
"Hey, Sumire? Why did you suddenly turn quiet---" Yuhi trailed off and cupped her cheeks. "Why are you, red?"
She did not need a mirror to understand what he was saying; indeed, she knew her face was bright red. Her palms sweaty, and the sound of her rapid heartbeat.
Masaru chuckled. "Well, of course, she is nervous; she respects you a lot."
"But, I see her as my equal."
E--equal? Yuhi and her? Impossible, his singing is on a different level altogether. How could he possibly say they are similar? Is he messing with her?
At that comment, Masaru shrugged. "Up to you whether to believe it. Well, I will get something, you two take your time."
With those words said, Masaru quickly left. The moment he left, Yuhi pulled her into his arms. "So, I think I get it. But don't act so weird around me. You know I have a high opinion of you."
"I know Yuhi-san but to me your---"
He cupped her cheeks. "I'm?"
"Your my..." Sumire paused and averted her gaze. "Could you stop looking at me? Sometimes I feel like an idiot when you do."
Yuhi laughed. "Well, Princess, I know you like me. But control yourself a bit."
"That's easy for you to say."
"Hey, look at me."
She slowly raised her face and saw a tender expression on Yuhi's face. "..."
"I am serious about this, about singing with you and about my feelings. Sumire, I know you're still afraid. But I won't let you be alone ever again."
"Yuhi." She mumbled softly. "I think I will keep causing you more problems."
"That's fine."
"I like you so much, that's already a huge problem."
"You think so? I like what you were doing to me earlier."
Sumire hits him. "I feel like that's all you ever think about these days."
"Sorry." Yuhi apologized. "But do you understand? I love you, so I want to touch you."
"Do you have to touch me to show you love me?"
Yuhi chuckled at her question. "Well, it's not like that. But it's a good thing for both of us."
A good thing? She doesn't understand that very well. "If we're going to sing together, we should write a new song."
"Mmm, do we have time?"
"Don't underestimate me! I can compose something in a day, and it will be good."
"Then, I'll give you a day."
"Hold on! We're writing it together."
"Mmm, alright." Yuhi nodded.
'But is it okay to ask him that? He seems busy already.'
"Yuhi-San, why do you think Masaru-senpai is staying here?"
Strangely, he isn't going back.
At that comment, Yuhi frowned but quickly shrugged. "Isn't he here to bother Shin?"
"Hmmm, it doesn't seem like that…." She trailed off when she saw him averting his gaze. "Well, I guess I will worry about it another time. Yuhi, should we go back to school now?"
"Give me a break. Why would we go back?"
Sumire blinked. "Well, we still have a whole day of lessons."
Yuhi shook his head. "Let's stay here for a bit. There are facilities here we can use freely to practice and compose. Besides, don't you have questions for Masaru?"
"Questions, huh." Sumire looked at him. "I have a question for you, Yuhi-san."
"Yeah?"
"How many times did you do it with your ex-girlfriend? The musician one?"
At that comment, Yuhi seemed startled. He rubbed the back of his head, awkwardly. "Isn't that question random?"
"I heard some strange things."
"Well, I guess a lot. I told you already we had a sexual relationship."
"Hmmm." Sumire looked at him.
Yuhi grabbed her hand and brought it to his face. He gently kissed her fingers slowly. "You know, I don't mind jealousy. But my love, I just told you how much I loved you earlier."
"I know."
She didn't know; she didn't want to know anymore. It's fine that Yuhi loves her. But if she learns how much, she may end up pushing him away. That is the last thing she wants to do.