The events of the kiss from yesterday remained fresh in her mind even during the following day. It was awkward checking out of the hotel. She felt like people were watching them. But Yuhi acted so calmly. What is wrong with him? How can he behave so calmly? After she kissed him on the roof, they went back to the room and -- Sumire felt her face heat up at the memory.
'I need to snap out of it, but how can I? Ah, my dear, why is he so handsome?'
Her thoughts break off when she hears people passing by.
"Did you get tickets? I couldn't; they sold out so quickly."
"Behold ta da-"
Right today was her concert, the big battle with her senpai,
.
.
It was all over the city, fliers, trailers, and even an air balloon promoting her showdown with Yumi-senpai. Sumire knew that people would make a huge deal out of it when the day came, but this was more than she imagined.
"What are you doing out in the city on the day of your live?"
"I can't just practice all the time until the concert. Let me have a break."
A panting and out of breath, Hino appeared behind her. He was carrying many bags in his hands.
"A break aside, what is with all this stuff?"
"I plan to celebrate with my dear afterwards."
"Then buy this stuff and send it over."
"That will ruin the surprise."
Moreover, she doesn't want to disturb his rest. Her cheeks colored as she recalled the events of the previous night. It seems ever since that time, Yuhi has been touching her more.
'I do feel happy, but it's still a bit strange.'
Also, he has increased the amount of times he tells her that he loves her. She feels so happy to think the day would come where she would feel such happiness.
Her thoughts broke off when Hino suddenly leaned forward. "Your turning red again. Did something happen with Yuhi?"
"Gah- aren't you way too sharp recently?"
"You are the one who makes it obvious. However, it's a real miracle that he survived this long. You have your days cut out for you now that his limiter broke."
Sumire awkwardly looked away. Even though he says, Yuhi is the most important. This guy still has feelings for her, right? Lately, she has been more self-conscious regarding talking about her relationship with Yuhi in front of him.
"Hey, are you starting to feel bad? You don't say much." Hino immediately understood.
"Your the one who is strange acting so calm."
Hino looked troubled.
"Listen, Sumire. I don't want things to be awkward between us. I understand that you find my behaviour strange, but I want to make this work."
"Make this work?"
"I don't want to lose you as a friend."
Her eyes widened when she heard him say those words. 'He truly is a foolishly honest person, just like Yuhi-san.'
"Then you'll carry more bags for me?"
"You're still going to buy more?"
"Of course, I want this date with my dearest to be perfect."
Her thoughts broke off when she spotted somebody familiar in the crowd. It was Sano; there was a pretty girl with short hair clinging to him.
"Sano-sama, do you have to leave so fast?"
"I already said we won't meet for a while."
"You haven't explained things to me. What is going on? You don't see other women; lately, you're always working overtime in the hospital."
"There's somebody I like. I don't want to do this stuff anymore."
At that comment, the girl's face colour turned pale. "S--somebody you like?"
"Yes."
"Are the rumors true? You really like Ibuki Sumire?"
"I love her."
"Listen to that; he says he loves you." Hino pointed out.
Sumire sighed. "I already know."
"Do you truly understand? That guy--" Hino suddenly paused. "-is about come over."
Gah---?!!! Sumire quickly found a place to hide, and it was just on time. He must have heard Hino's voice. But why did he have to come so quickly? She hid behind a lamp post nearby two stalls, but this was risky. If she moved slightly, he would see her.
'Stay completely still.' Sumire peered over. But she still wants to listen to their conversation.
"Hino."
"Hey, good job over there."
"I don't want to upset Sumire." Sano looked around. "Did she not come with you?"
"What makes you think she is with me?"
"I heard your manager now. Those things are stuff she would buy too."
'How observant. He knew about Hino becoming my manager, but he didn't even come and cause problems.' It seems he has changed. Unlike a few months ago, the current Sano is less arrogant, and he is easier to deal with.
When she avoided him at the start, he used to act so unreasonably. He would come to find her and cause problems for her. But now, he is holding back and waiting for her to see him.
What if she ignores him forever?
This experiment is fascinating. How long until his self-control breaks? Will he return to acting unreasonably?
"Is she not willing to see me? I haven't heard from her in a while."
Hino sighed deeply. "That's not it; she's been busy."
"Then-"
"She'll meet with you on the second. Just stay put."
"I miss her. Do you think she misses me?"
"Gee, you're asking me this?"
Sumire saw Hino's complicated expression. It seems Hino-san is having a hard time. After the last time, she resolved herself not to meet this person. That previous incident was already enough. If they meet again, her plan will surely fail, and yet she watched Hino's expression again.
'I don't want to trouble him too much.' Sumire took a deep breath before she stepped out of her hiding spot.
The moment Sano saw her, he pulled her into a huge hug.
"I missed you."
"Mmmm."
"I really wanted to see you. Sorry but I want to hug you for a while."
"You've lost weight."
So observant of the smallest details. 'I have to admit I am impressed. Back when we dated, he wasn't this attentive.'
"I'm fine. Are you okay? You're working too much."
"I'm alright."
"Will you come and see the show later?"
"I'll be there." Sano trailed off and gently caressed her hair. "Sumire, have you been taking medicine?"
"Um." She immediately averted her gaze.
"You have to take it."
"Alright."
Sano squeezed her hands. "I have to go, but I'll be at your concert."
"Mmm, see you."
She suddenly felt a light kiss on her forehead. For a moment, Sumire froze, completely shocked. She didn't think he would do something like that.
"San-" He cuts her off by leaning forward until their lips are dangerously close to each other.
"On the second, you have to go out with me. Don't forget."
"Right." Sumire managed to say.
Sano nodded, satisfied with her reply before pulling his hands away from her. The moment he was far away, Sumire wiped her clothes with a handkerchief.
"Couldn't resist?"
"I did it as a favor since you looked so worried."
"You're really cruel. Whatever you were planning, I think it's worked already."
"No, it's just the beginning."
This still isn't enough. But, just now, what was with the forehead kiss? He has never done that before. Moreover, just now, he could have easily kissed her, but he didn't. The results of this experiment so far intrigue her.
Still, she has spent far too much time on this issue with Sano. There are other important things she has to do. Her gaze fell on a poster at a nearby music store; it was a poster of M5, her dearest group.
"Sumire?"
"Hino, there is still some time before the concert, right?"
"Yes." Hino trailed off. "Wait, if you want to see Yuhi, you can't right now. He has important work."
Sumire rolled her eyes when she heard his words. He truly is overprotective.
"I thought we could head over to Jun-kun's set."
"Kira Jun?"
Sumire could not miss the dark look that flashed through his eyes. It was only brief, but she saw it.
"Mm, there is something I want to ask him."
"I guess that's fine, but-" Hino's words fell short when rain rapidly fell from the skies. He tossed his jacket over her head and grabbed her wrist.
"Let's wait until the rain stops."
'Rain on a day like this, that's not a bad sign, right?' Still, she cannot continue neglecting others for Sano. During her investigations, there is something she came across, the key she needs may be closer than she thought.