A few hours go by.
Yuhi would never have thought after dropping her off in the hospital that he would see her again so soon. He was on his way from seeing Hino. The situation indeed looked grim. Despite his efforts the past few days, many started to connect his frequent disappearances and missing from his work with Sumire.
A deep sigh passed his lips. This situation has become rather troublesome. If he spoke up, it could have the opposite effect. But a flash of blonde hair appeared in his head.
If he could ask Nagawa to step in, then it would be more credible. Even if people believe his words, there will be those who would blame her. But if a doctor stepped up and explained then- Yuhi sighed again.
In the end, all he can do is rely on Nagawa Sano. Isn't it bad enough that he has to turn a blind eye to this man making moves on his future wife? Yuhi recalled his conversation with Sumire and paused. Maybe she is right. If they get married, then all the pests would vanish. Not even Nagawa would be able to do anything.
But- isn't that man famous for making moves on people who are already in relationships? What a troublesome man. If it were just the likes of Atsuro, then he wouldn't have to worry so much. Speaking of which, that guy is staying way too quiet. Isn't he going to do something?
He decided to take a longer route before heading to school. If he recalled correctly, there are some new buildings near this area. He wanted to check it out since Sumire mentioned buying a house. But after walking in that district for a few minutes, he bumps into Sumire.
She stood on the sidewalk with a dazed look on her face. Before she could lose her footing, however, he immediately catches her. For a split moment, they merely looked into each other's eyes. It was the same as last time, but this time what caught him off guard was hearing the sound of her beating heart.
Sumire immediately pushed him away.
"You are as clumsy as ever, my dear wife."
At that, the girl's cheeks instantly color, " I am not your wife."
Hmph, not yet anyway. Yuhi scans the surroundings for a few minutes before confirming his thoughts.
"I see no guard dog with you today. Could it be that you are alone?"
Usually he would find her fiance's people or Nagawa lurking around her. But today, he sees no trace of them.
He isn't that surprised to see her here. Before she disappeared two months ago, she seemed to be traveling back and forth from his place and here. He had already seen her on more than one occasion, yet he never spoke to her whenever he saw her here.
Yuhi tried to interfere as little as possible whenever she conducted her investigations. They could discuss it all they want at home, but he never actually interfered with things.
Sumire nodded, "There was something I had to investigate." She trails off, "Also, today is the anniversary of my parent's death."
As she said those words, Yuhi watched as her usually lively and bright eyes turn dim.
How very unusual, he had known that the girl had not gotten along with her mother. Yet, she can still show some form of respect; his wife certainly acted like a member of the elite when she wanted to be.
"Then, I shall accompany you."
It would be bad to leave her when she is in this strange mood. Although her recent self-harm attempts are minimal, Nagawa says that she still wakes up screaming.
At that comment, Sumire's eyes widened, "Eh? But Yuhi, don't you have work to do?"
"I was heading to school. I finished my business with Hino. But there is still time before I have to be there."
Despite the bad news, there wasn't much he could do now, so he left after hearing it. They need to devise a good plan. It is almost time for Takahashi's concert. They just have to hold out. The main cause for people's hate towards Sumire is because she hasn't returned to work. The solution is simple she just has to sing again.
But that simple thing is a heavy burden to her. She didn't say anything about it in the morning. Yet, he could tell it was something weighing heavily in her heart.
He suspects that is the main reason why she got so drunk last night. Usually, she isn't the type to drink, but it is because something has happened whenever she does it.
"I see."
When he saw her downcast expression, he could not help but sigh. If she did not involve herself to a degree in this fair, then she would not be causing herself so much pain right now.
His thoughts broke when she suddenly tripped over and landed on his back as she rubbed her nose. "Sorry."
She really is far too clumsy. Yuhi extends his hand out, causing her to glance at it for a few seconds. "Take my hand."
Yet even as he said that she was looking at it still leading to his signature scowl to appear on his face, " Did you not hear what I said, woman? You are too clumsy on your own, walking in those shoes that although they look elegant on your feet. You cannot walk in them".
During his speech, Sumire had already grabbed hold of his hand.
"It's kind of familiar. I wonder why." Sumire mumbled.
Hm? What's this? Could she be in the process of remembering? It would be a lie to say he wanted to talk to her about the past. But it was only recently where he clearly remembered everything. Back then so much happened, so it makes sense why it took him so long,
The events of that time were very traumatizing. It would not surprise him if it caused Sumire emotional damage.
"But, I'm surprised. Yuhi, your hand is really warm."
"We all emit body temperature despite the cold, hanyous especially."
"I see, got it."
Even though he said that right now as their hands clasped against each other. He noticed how unusually cold it was; this girl, will something bad happen? No, it can't be; after all, there are those working hard for her.
He was not one to rely on others. Yuhi certainly understood already that Kusaji Atsuro wouldn't let her die just like that. Then there is Nagawa.
Sumire often talked about how impressed she was with Nagawa taking his doctor career seriously. So that must mean that guy is good.
His thoughts break off when she hums a tune. Even though it was just humming, there was something beautiful about it.
If it is her, she could truly surpass Takashi Yumi, no surpass even the legends that came before her.