At the Akagumi Bar
This place was the closest, so she and Hino brought Yuhi here. From its looks, both Atushi and Jae were out since there was a note on the bar.
But, her gaze fell on the man fast asleep on the bed.
'Yuhi lectures me for being careless, but what about him?'
Still, she can't blame him. Sumire understood that the only reason he became this way was because of her. This is why she didn't want him to get involved. She already saw how dedicated he was to her. Sumire knew he would do something careless that would risk his health one day.
'I still didn't stop him despite having those thoughts. A part of me must have missed working alongside Yuhi..'
Back then, people naturally assumed they were a couple. There were a lot of rumors then. They spent so much time together, but nothing romantic happened. Sure, there were times when their hands would casually brush against each other and end up closer, but that was all.
They had a relationship based on mutual trust; they worked well together and shared mutual interests and hobbies. Everything came naturally whenever they were together.
'Strangely connected by fate.'
Many people made such remarks. At the time, she didn't understand what they were talking about. It wasn't until she started to date Ru. Ru always said that it would be easier to sever ties if the foundation of the relationship is mutual trust.
If it were just romance, though, it should be even easier to severe ties after all; relationships are fickle things. What she has with Yuhi is something she cannot define with a single word.
Sumire changed the towel on his forehead with a new one and sat down on the chair beside the bed.
'Truly, he is a fool. But I love that part of him.' The part of him who would do anything for her sake. She feels so loved.
"Hino, did you know?" Sumire asked the violet-haired man who had just entered the room.
"Yeah."
"You should have told me."
"You know why I didn't."
Of course, she knew. "Yuhi didn't let you."
If Yuhi said that much, naturally, Hino would not be able to do anything. Hino said it before that he would prioritize Yuhi even though he has feelings for her.
"Sumire, you know Yuhi has always loved you. Whenever he got into bad situations in the past, all it took was mentioning you for him to get back on his feet. That guy truly loves you; that's why the thing with your fiance and with Sano. I want you to handle it carefully without hurting Yuhi."
"You are harsh with me."
Hino sighed. "You know I don't want to. I have been trying to keep an open mind since the start. But Sumire, I can't understand. Yuhi already treats you this well, the thing with other guys- what is that all about? I know you are not bad, and I know you don't like the other guys. So exactly what are you trying to do?"
Sumire was about to say something, but she felt Yuhi tug on her hand. She looked back to see that he was still asleep. Is he doing that unconsciously?
"You see, even now, he is shielding you. It seems Yuhi already understands why you are doing that stuff. But occasionally, it would look like he is in pain." Hino trailed off. "You know this, right?"
"I know."
"Sumire, I know you have a hard time understanding love and relationships. But please, I am begging you not to make a mistake when it comes to Yuhi. Yuhi didn't like those girls as much as he did you, but he was still in a relationship with them. When they betrayed him, it hurt."
Sumire suddenly felt somebody pull her onto the bed and nestled in Yuhi's familiar arms.
"Hino. I told you already-"
"I know you two talked about it, Yuhi, and I know it isn't easy for her. But she-"
Yuhi wrapped his arms protectively around her. "It's not because of Sumire. I look like I am in pain recently because those girls are harassing me, and it turns out my so-called manager was the ring leader. You better fire that woman. I don't care that she has been
Her eyes widened when she heard those words. She didn't know about that. But wait, girls, harassing him?
Sumire stepped on his foot, and he laughed. "My love, you're already angry?"
"By girls harassing, is that what I think it means?"
Hino quickly interjected. "You see, Yuhi's manager has been sending different girls to his doorstep ever since you disappeared."
Her eyes twitched, annoyed when she heard those words. That woman was doing what?
"Of course, Yuhi isn't stupid; he didn't fall for it even once."
"You don't have to say that. I'm so cute, pretty, and loveable. Those other girls stand no chance since Yuhi is head over heels for me."
Yuhi laughed and kissed her forehead. "You really are cute."
"Quit flirting with me, dummy. I need the details." Sumire trailed off. But she was having a hard time concentrating due to the feeling of Yuhi's lips on her neck.
Hino sighed and shook his head as he quickly left. The moment he did, she pushed Yuhi down onto the bed and kissed him passionately.
To think other girls were trying to harp onto Yuhi while she wasn't around. Even though Yuhi is hers, how dare they have the nerve to get close to him?
"Mmmm, this is nice."
Sumire rolled her eyes but didn't move away from him; instead, she leaned forward again to kiss him.
"Dearest."
"I'm sorry for worrying you."
"Good." Sumire trailed off. "I know it's hard, Yuhi. You try to be strong for both of us. But it's okay for you to show weakness once in a while."
"Alright, I guess you will see it more often now. I have been having a hard time."
Sumire frowned knowingly. It seems those girls trying to leech onto Yuhi aren't ordinary people; otherwise, it won't bother him this much. She caresses his cheeks.
"Do you want me to handle it?"
She doesn't understand the situation very well, but if it is handling flies, she is good at that. Moreover, since staying over at Soujiro's place, she has remained on her best behavior.
In short, it is hard to create havoc when Soujiro watches her like a hawk. The security in his place is way too scary. It is no wonder why Sano couldn't harass her the last time she stayed over. Soujiro does not give his enemies any opportunities to attack.
This is the main reason why Yuhi told her to stay there. It is a dangerous time.
'There are those who dislike you to the point they will cause physical harm until you prove yourself by winning against Takahashi. You should stay in that place.'