“Your one of the few people who would say something like that,” Yuhi said.

Sumire noticed that his gaze was still on the drawing in his hand. She could not miss his tone either. One of the few, huh? She wonders who the other people are. It must be about the ex-girlfriend, it seems Amano Touko was more important to him than she thought. Perhaps she ought to ask somebody about this.

The problem is, with all the skipping, she does. Sumire is not familiar with the people in her class very much. She could ask Nakara-sensei, he would know something. But for some reason, Yuhi does not like it when she hangs out with sensei alone.

These days whenever she stops by the physics prep room, he would come with her. Or rather, Yuhi strictly told her to tell him whenever she comes there. He acts very weird about it.

“Did you like her that much?” Sumire asked.

“Well, it isn’t like that either.”

But his expression just now…

“You know we only dated one another because of the talent factor. She was a very good artist and she was my previous partner. We had to work together because nobody else wanted to work with us. Touko is the ambitious type, she liked those with talent. She was the one who asked me out.”

“Ah..”

“When I told her there was somebody I liked. She told me it was okay, we only had to date for appearances. She just wanted an excuse to stay by my side. Later on I learned that it was because of her father. Her father learned of the rumors regarding us. He told her if we weren’t in a relationship, we couldn’t spend time together. It was very strange, I guess the old man is the traditional type. But yeah, that was how it went.”

“I’m guessing after you spent so much time with one another, you ended up falling in love.”

“It wasn’t love, but–” Yuhi paused and nodded. “She was a good friend. Nobody will feel good about being cheated on.”

She does not understand that feeling, though. Mamoru never cheated on her, and they both treasured one another. It felt strange; why is she listening to Yuhi talk about relationships? This is an uncomfortable subject for them both; she does not want this to end up with her mentioning Mamoru.

“What kinds of colors should I use?” Sumire casually changed the subject. Considering how she was looking at her canvas the entire time, it did not look suspicious.

Yuhi put the drawing away and walked back over until he stood in front of her canvas. “What brand of colors do you like to use?”

“For paints? I usually mix them up. I know others don’t advise this, since some colours clash depending on the brand. But, I find it easier to use a mixture.”

A mix of colors in a design, mixing, and matching until she finds the perfect colors.

“Do you have to finish this up today?” Yuhi asked.

“Ah, no, I have finished sketching already.”

“Then let’s go to the city.”

….

Tokyo Central

Yuhi and her were walking around the city when somebody accidentally spilled water on her leading to the current situation. They entered a random shop, and Yuhi immediately picked out some clothes for her. She felt very embarrassed about it, though. “I can choose my own clothes.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just try these on.” Yuhi said and pointed to the changing room.

Sumire sighed and took the clothes from his hands. When she took them, however, her hands briefly brushed against his causing her heart to skip a beat. But she quickly shook her head. Don’t be a fool Ibuki Sumire. It is far too soon, far too soon for her to move on. Sure she said that stuff back in the infirmary, but it will take time. Sumire was not sure if it was possible for her, she promised Ru. If something were to happen, then she would not — her thoughts broke off when she caught a glimpse of the ring in her hand.

Now that she thought about it, what does Yuhi think whenever he sees this ring? He always holds her hand, so he must see it. Is he upset? He must be. She truly isn’t cut out for love.

Sumire made her way across the room until she arrived at the changing rooms at the side. She smiled politely to the female clerk and picked the changing room at the furthest end. Her thoughts kept drifting off.

For her, Tsueno Mamoru played an essential role in her life. He helped pull her out of the never-ending darkness that was her world for so long. When he first asked her out, Sumire was very surprised. It looked like he was encouraging her to date Yuhi, so it caught her off guard. What is this person thinking? Later on, Sumire learned that while he supported her feelings for Yuhi, he understood her feelings more than her.

You like him so much, but you think he is too far from your reach.

Mamoru hit the nail on the head there. She did like Yuhi; ever since that concert five years ago, she liked him. But the problem was? While she inherited her family fortune. Sumire felt they belonged to different worlds. This person is too far from her reach. He achieved so much at a young age, and even now, he is achieving. Yuhi is constantly improving himself in all areas, art, and music, especially.

She quickly slipped on the clothes Yuhi picked for her and had to pause when she put on the last item. Sumire looked at her reflection in the mirror; she wore a gorgeous stary nightshirt, a turquoise colored skirt with gorgeous sketch-like drawings. A white short-sleeved jacket with an emblem on the right-hand side.

It seems he has a good fashion sense too. His experience with other girls bothered her a bit.