"Well, this can be an engagement ring or a promise one." Yuhi was very serious about this but he could tell from her expression that she was having a hard time taking him seriously.
"Does it surprise you this much? That I treasure you?"
Sumire sighed deeply. "If you put it that way even I will have a hard time answering. Well, I guess it's more like even if I know I am still adjusting to it. It wasn't until recently where I started to accept your kindness, let alone other people." Her gaze softened. "Your truly stupid Yuhi-san, but I am thankful. You tried so much to make me see the beauty of this world."
"Sometimes it feels I didn't put in enough effort."
She shook her head. "No, you did."
"Are you tired? Do you want to rest for a bit?" Yuhi noticed her slightly pale complexion.
Sumire shook her head, "We ought to head back as soon as possible. Otherwise Atushi will start nagging."
His sweat dropped. "He truly is like a mother hen. But I learned that is his way of showing he cares."
If he thought about it carefully, up until last year Atushi and he didn't see eye to eye. They had an unusual friendship. But things have changed now. 'The main catalyst that changed things is no doubt Sumire.'
Sumire always says that she is thankful for coming here. But, he should be the one saying those words. If it weren't for her then his life would not be this peaceful.
"Speaking of which, I got the assignment done. All that's left is to write the paper and send it over. I'll handle all that myself. It looks like we will make it just on time." Sumire said happily.
Ah, that's right. Although she has been hospitalized since she returned. She still had to complete the end of year piece. Yuhi knew she would have a hard time on her own so he deliberately didn't do his so they could do it together.
"Yeah."
"Are you sure about not writing your name on it?"
Yuhi nodded. "Yeah, I wasn't able to help much anyway."
Indeed before Yuhi realised it the time he was supposed to spend with her was cut short.
'I was being considerate about Nagawa but also I focused on improving relations with the group.'
He still hasn't made much improvements with Iwa Ran. But, it's fine. There is still time to improve relations.
During the days he spent with her, he ended up focusing on holding her and making sure she was okay.
"If your putting it that way then I will respect your decision."
Sumire turned to him and smiled. "But I had a lot of fun debating with you and I learned a lot. Thank you for all you've done for me."
Yuhi looked away surprised at her response. There was a tint of red on his cheeks.
Despite it being dark, he knew that she could clearly see it. Or rather the girl was leaning forward so it was hard for him to avoid her.
"Ah your blushing."
"Quit it, just when I thought you haven't teased me in awhile."
Sumire beamed happily. "Since you know my personality is like this, the last thing you should do is let your guard down."
"It's almost been a year or so since I started teaching huh? I'm not sure if it went by fast or slow. I had a lot of trouble getting used to things here."
Indeed he wondered for a long time, if things were going to work out. His lessons being too advanced, expectations and all that. All of it was suffocating to him. He was on the verge of quitting. But then she showed up and everything changed drastically for him
"But eventually I found myself having a lot of fun. It's nice passing on these skills."
Sumire sweat dropped. "Haha it was difficult to keep up sometimes though."
Hard to keep up huh, she didn't make that obvious at all. Then again even back when they worked together in the underworld organisation Holy Knights she was like this. The others in the organisation feared and respected him. Even if they were stuck and required help, they would never ask for help.
But from day one Sumire didn't hesitate to approach him.
'She was my superior but she didn't hesitate at all to ask me for help.'
Normally people in those positions would hesitate to ask somebody who just joined. They would have too much pride but Sumire differed. She recognized her own weakness despite having a leading role, and asked for help.
It was the same this time around too. When Sumire first came to Tokyo, and when they first became partners in class. She didn't hesitate to ask him for help.
"Sumire, do you want to go to France with me?"
'Although I delayed my trip and won't leave after graduation, eventually I will have to go.'
His gaze darkens slightly. "Also…"
Sumire shook her head. "Thank you. You're worried about all those rumours about me right? But it's fine I've got friends I can rely upon."
"Heh, a while ago you wouldn't be able to say that."
"Mmm, but you have taught me a lot." Sumire trailed off and her gaze fell towards the sky as she extended her hand out. "This is something I have known for awhile now, but it took me awhile to accept. No matter how small or large, there will always be negative emotions in the world."
"You said it before, without darkness there can be no light and vice versa."
Sumire nodded. "That's right, these emotions will exist no matter what time frame we are in. Although it is upsetting to see all this hate, everything happens for a reason." She spoke those last words softly.
As she said this, she walked slightly ahead of him her arms to the side as though she was trying to balance herself.
"In the past I thought I could not accept a world like this. But, my opinion has changed quite a bit now. If we cannot get rid all of the hate, jealousy and conflict then it is better to embrace it."
For her to say something like that, it must have taken her a lot of courage. He knew how badly she wanted to give up on life due to all the misfortunes she has experienced.
"Even if we cannot get rid of it, there is one thing I have faith in."
"That is?"
"Human evolvement." Sumire laughed softly. "I believe humans will continue to evolve, whether it has anything to do with supernatural powers. I believe we will continue evolving over time. So even if this darkness exists, something new, a greater balance will suppress it to create a better world."
His eyes went wide at the girl's words, she really is amazing. It seems he is still no match for her.
'I built all this for her, but in the end there is no need. Sumire will carve her own future, even if she has nothing.'