With her personality, that is possible. He could imagine it now. What kinds of jobs could a minor her age do at the time? She must have been doing the odd chores here and there, scrambling for her own money just to buy a single concert ticket.
His gaze softened. She is truly amazing.
“Didn’t you come with a male classmate?”
Her cheeks reddened, embarrassed, and she looked at him, horrified at those words. “That-that was-”
“I don’t remember what he looks like. But I do recall a couple having a dispute. The security guards were talking about it.”
“It’s not what your thinking Yuh-san. He was just somebody who asked me out on a date. I had a lot going on back then, so I didn’t have much time to spare for other activities. However, he was so persistent to the point it was getting annoying, so I agreed-”
“Who was it?”
“Nagawa Shuusuke. San’s brother. We were in the same class.”
Yuhi flinched when he heard those words. He did hear about this from Atushi previously, but he didn’t think much of it. Back then, Sumire was young, so any man she was involved in then should not count. But now he knows who the other man is.
What is this sudden feeling of insecurity?
His thoughts broke off when she extended her hand out to caress his cheeks. “Don’t be mad. It was a long time ago, and I only accepted because my mother said she would not let me go out unless I had a male escort. If I took one of the servants, they would tell my mother where I was going.”
So she went through all that trouble because she wanted to see him? His lips curve to a smile. “Even before we met, it seems you took quite a liking to me.”
“That isn’t-”
Yuhi cupped her cheeks. “Is it a lie?” Perhaps a part of her never forgot their times together in the facility. Even though she lost her memories, those precious feelings never vanished deep down.
“N-no, it’s true I liked you a lot back then.”
This stubborn girl should just admit that she fell in love with him at first sight. Well, there is no rush; there is plenty of time. Yuhi was about to kiss her when they heard the door’s sound opening.
A frantic Nagawa Sano stood there. He immediately rushed over.
“Sumire.
“I don’t want to see you.”
“Sumire, listen, that was-”
“You’re always playing me for a fool. Seriously, just-” Sumire yelled but paused when Sano took something out of his pocket.
It was a gorgeous amethyst brooch in the shape of a rose. However, Sumire is not the type to like expensive jewels. He knew the rose was a symbol of the Ibuki family.
‘Nice play Nagawa.’ Sumire may not have had the best relationship with her family, but they were still her family. Sure enough, he watched as her anger vanished as she stared at the brooch.
“You misunderstood. She was just checking if the clip worked.”
“Is this for me?”
“Yes.”
“it’s pretty.”
“Do you like it?”
“Mmm.”
Yuhi awkwardly stood in the corner. Whenever these two talk, he feels like the third wheel.
“Terashima, make sure she takes these.” Sano passed him a bottle of odd-looking pills.
“Isn’t this making her worse?”
“It’s only temporary; she needs to adjust to the new medication. I’ll give her a quick shot, but take her home after this.”
“Alright.”
‘He can be strangely professional.’ Then again, Sumire mentioned how this was one of the things she liked about Nagawa. Yuhi exhaled deeply, even though he said she could talk about it openly. It makes him feel uncomfortable.
“San,” Sumire said softly. “What about you?”
“I’m alright now. I went to work this morning.”
“Ah did you eat–?”
“I saw, don’t worry.” Sano’s tone was kind, and so was his expression.
Yuhi felt his stomach churn.
What is with these two? Why is there such a strange atmosphere around them? However, before he could say a word, the doors burst open, revealing an annoyed-looking Hino.
He walked over and looked Sumire up and down before hitting her across the head with a script in his hands.
“I signed you up for a movie audition, and you’re like this?” Hino scolded.
Sumire looked at him for help, and Yuhi stepped in.
“Just delay the auditions.”
“I thought you hated that type of thing.”
“What audition is it? I’ll do it.” Sano interjected.
Sumire’s eyes brightened. “You can?”
“Y-yeah-”
“Hey Yuhi, you’re fine with that? Those two are acting weird.” Hino commented.
“Well, it doesn’t make me feel good,” Yuhi admitted. “But, it’s not like I can stop other guys from liking her.”
That would be wrong and far too controlling.
Hino sighed but nodded. “Sano has changed, so he won’t behave like he did before.”
“I can tell.” Yuhi trailed off. He watched Sumire remove something from Sano’s hair.
His gaze dimmed, and Hino patted his shoulder. “Just tell her you’re jealous. No matter how cruel she is, she will stop if you ask.”
“I can’t possibly do that.”
He recalled how she cried in the new year when she spoke about Nagawa. “Sumire may think she is acting, but she still cares for him. I want her to one day admit that.”
He has only tolerated it this entire time because he does not want her to feel uncomfortable. ‘I want her to be honest with herself.’ It is necessary to lie sometimes, but lies involving feelings towards another person are different.
He does not want her to fall apart even more than she already has.
“It looks good on you,” Sano mumbled. “You can wear it next time you have an event.”
“Mmm, I will.
Sano’s phone suddenly beeped. He watched as a disturbed expression appeared on the man’s face.
“Sumire, I have to leave.”
“They can’t make you do anything bad! San, remember what I told you!”
“It’s alright; it’s just a small meeting today. I’ll see you soon.”
“Message me?”
“Of course.”
Sano quickly left the room with those words, and Hino left shortly afterward.
“Why do you never say anything?”
“Well-”
“You should be angry!” Sumire exclaimed. Yuhi did not miss the tears falling from her eyes.
“Don’t cry. It hurts me when you do.”
“You should get hurt for once, jerk.”
Yuhi gently kissed her forehead. “Go back to sleep.”
“No!”
Is she sulking?
Yuhi brought his lips to hers. “If you don’t, I’ll attack you again. I already removed the sign from the door too. If people come in here, don’t blame me.”
“Now you’re bullying me.”
“Be good, and I will sing for you.” Yuhi took out his guitar from the case.
Sumire’s gaze changed, and she looked at him obediently.
His lips curve to a smile. She really is acting cutely today. Still, maybe he should tell her how disturbed he feels regarding her and Nagawa. He seems even more troubled by this since hearing that announcement on Christmas day.
