71 Please tell me

A week later. Wednesday 4th February.

"Ki! Are you sure you should be walking around right now?" Mamoru called after her.

"I'm alright."

Yuhi stayed for five days, and he just left two days ago. The past two days passed by so slowly. Without him by her side, she didn't want to sit around and do nothing. However, unlike before, the situation has changed.

Her body still feels sluggish, and her wounds haven't completely healed. But, her eyes brightened up when she heard her phone beep, and she saw a familiar name flash through her screen.

From: Yuhi

Good morning. I heard you're going to school today, don't push yourself too much.

I'm filming a drama today. Does this look good on me?

Sumire almost dropped the phone when she saw his outfit. How can anybody look that good wearing a tuxedo? What kind of drama is he filming? Normally he doesn't like wearing formal wear.

"Huh from Yuhi? It seems like your are in contact again." Mamoru commented casually.

"D-don't just peer over my shoulder!" Sumire exclaimed.

Mamoru shrugged. "I mean, isn't it okay? I didn't go near your house for the last five days because Yuhi said he had everything under control. He even removed the ladder."

Oh, no wonder she didn't hear from Ru at all. When Yuhi asked her what it was about, she explained everything to him. 'If I'm here, you don't need it.'

Maybe he was jealous?

Since he sent a photo, she ought to do the same. Sumire takes a quick photo.

From: Sumire

You're going to give me a heart attack.

From: Yuhi

I think that's my line. Are you trying to kill me? Where are you going looking all cute? Is it a date?

From: Sumire

I'm not going to school. I am going to investigate.

Ru is with me, so don't worry.

After exchanging a few more messages, she turned to Ru, who had a gentle look on his face. Sumire immediately looked down at the ground. He must have been worried about her. How many times has Ru tried to get her to talk to Yuhi? He has made several attempts.

"I'm sorry about worrying you."

"It's fine. I'm guessing you two aren't dating?"

Sumire shook her head. "I think Yuhi wanted to ask, but he said we could exchange messages and at least stay in touch for now."

Yuhi is respecting her situation too much. Perhaps it was due to the impact of spending time with him, but when he asked to stay in touch, she ended up agreeing. It's not a bad feeling, though, waking up to his messages.

Her thoughts broke off when Mamoru patted her hair.

"I know. But this is enough progress."

Sometimes it feels like Ru treats her like a child. "Let's get going; we have to convince the people at the university today."

"But it's been a week, Ki; what if that guy is back?"

At those words, she froze. The last few days with Yuhi have felt like a dream, so she almost forgot about it. That's right, that person should be back now.

Somehow she doesn't feel uneasy about seeing him now. This must be the impact after meeting Yuhi.

"Then I'll see him. Remember what Masaru said? We have to recruit that guy.

"Love sure makes you strong."

"That's not it," Sumire mumbled.

But it's true she suddenly feels confident. Yuhi-san, please watch over her properly. She will make sure to see this through.

"The last few days, what have you been doing, Ru?"

A foolish-looking grin appeared on Mamoru's face. "Arguing with the guards at that university. Those people are very stubborn, but I think I am becoming friends with the younger guards, so there is progress."

Sumire looked at him dumbfounded. This guy, the last time they visited, those guards were very hostile. How did Ru do it? Then again, one of this strong points is making friends.

He said the younger guards, but the most likely scenario is that the older guards are persuaded by his behavior too.

"Ru, have you been sleeping?" Sumire looked over at him. She wanted to say this earlier but those dark circles under his eyes. Sumire immediately understood the situation.

Did he wait for her outside her house- Sumire immediately took out her phone, preparing to scold Yuhi. But Mamoru shook his head.

"It's fine. I understand why. You weren't emotionally stable. Ki, you don't like anybody seeing you in that state."

Sumire sighed when she saw his expression. Ru is even more stubborn than her sometimes. Truthfully, she doesn't know how to make it up to him. It's true that she cannot refute his words.

She dislikes people seeing that weak side of her. But Ru is indeed different from the others. Sumire took a deep breath as she started to sing.

"Whenever I looked at you

You warmly embraced me

All those times

I remember even the typical jokes

Make me want to hold you tight

Sometimes, I wonder if I'm the only one feeling this way

When I see your face that doesn't look very interested

I see myself getting so anxious

Please tell me today

That you're the only one

To hold my hands

Please tell me today.

That your eyes that look at me

Are only filled with me

When the warm breeze blows

I wanna be with you

I wonder if you know

On the outside, I act like it's no big

But in the end, my heart is revealed." Sumire sang.

By the end of the song, Ru was looking at her with wide eyes, and Sumire laughed. "There, my apology for worrying you. An exclusive concert from this soon-to-be-famous idol!"

Whenever she is troubled about how to express her feelings, or whenever she wants to cheer someone up, this is the method she would use after all songs contain so much power.

Her thoughts broke off when Mamoru grabbed hold of her hand. "No matter how famous you become, you will always be Ki."

At those words, her gaze softened. "You truly are silly, Ru but thank you."

"Did you work on this song with Yuhi?"

"Mm," Sumire laughed. "It was a bit embarrassing. He found my notebook with lyrics I sometimes scribble down in class. Then he borrowed my guitar and started to compose a melody."

It was embarrassing, but recalling that gentle and sweet moment with him, she has reconfirmed her feelings. The one she loves is Yuhi. She admires and respects him but also has romantic feelings for him.

"The lyrics reflect reality. You always behave like you are not interested in him romantically, but your actions say otherwise."

Sumire hits Mamoru across the head, embarrassed. "I-I-can't just tell people!"

Yuhi is the number one person in the entertainment industry. People call him the heavenly king, and he is even the god of composers. She can't possibly mention her feelings for him so openly.

There are many 'Yuhi's' out there, but nearly everybody in Star town has seen her and Yuhi together before. They spent a lot of time together as partners. This is a small town, so it wouldn't surprise her if everybody knew how close they were.

It seems like that news hasn't traveled to the media in Tokyo yet. But it won't be long. Yuhi's career is on the rise, recently, he is everywhere.

The media are like snakes; they sneak around and wait for a good opportunity. Yuhi keeps frequently having events here recently. It won't be long before they connect the dots. If it was any other town, she wouldn't worry so much. But, star town is one of the few towns where the underworld culture is strong.

What if the media learn of Yuhi's involvement in the underworld? She cannot allow anybody to learn. Before they find out, she will sort out the recent crimes and use her power to make sure people behave for a while.

'I won't let anybody damage his reputation and ruin his hard work!'

Her thoughts broke off when Mamoru patted her head again.

"Working hard for Yuhi's sake is okay. But, remember to watch your health too."

Sumire averted her gaze and looked down at the ground. It's unfair that Ru sees through her like this.