You saved me

But the consequence of those half-hearted decisions? She was tossed aside.

Her thoughts broke when she saw one of the men grab hold of Luna's collar as he raised her up in the air.

"Damn you, traitor. The boss was already being lenient on you. You had one job but couldn't do it right. You should pay with your life for wasting his time."

At those words, Luna laughed. "I see, so you're saying the boss didn't order this, and you're just acting out based on emotion? Who is the one who is going to be in trouble when he finds out?"

"Why you-"

Sumire sweat fell. Where does that bravery come from? How can she taunt them when she is in that situation? But forget about that now. It would be bad if Luna gets killed now. She needs to save her.

She took out her gun again. There was no choice; she didn't want to fight with this because she had no strength in her body. She felt her hands tremble; it was hard to hold the gun. Just a few shots, if she can get him to let go of Luna.

Before Sumire could fire, however, somebody else did so. The bullets came swiftly like lightning; in one smooth motion, the guy holding Hina let her go. Instead of the girl falling to the ground, Masaru had caught her.

"Lady! Are you alright?"

"Y-yes."

Huh? Just now- who fired that gun? Was it Asahi? No, Asahi's marksmanship isn't this clean.

There is one person who could do this, just one. Somebody who could read her movements before she did. But, it's impossible. Why would he be here now?

"Damn it's Tachibana Masaru."

"Didn't the boss beat him? Look at his injuries."

Uh-oh. Sumire turned to Masaru and, sure enough, saw a burning aura around him. He wore his usual signature smile on his face, but it was frightening.

"Ha? Did you guys say something?"

Sumire sighed deeply. She could barely stand, and her vision was getting blurrier by the minute. It won't be long before she passes out. But she has to make sure that there are no other bombs. It seems like most of the students have been evacuated already.

That's good. Sumire weakly dragged her feet along. She made sure to tell Masaru where she was going and to take care of Luna. Sumire looked around. This place isn't very large, so it should be easy to find. Is there another object that is intact here?

It's hard to believe they have a piano; but this is still an auditorium. Maybe it's in the supply closest? Sumire turned to the right and found a door. She stood in front of it and tried to get it open, but it seemed like the knob was sealed tight.

Would a bomb truly be in here if the doors can't even open? Well, it would make it harder on their side to stop it. But maybe she made a mistake. Sumire turns to leave, but then she hears a rumbling sound. The ceiling crumbled.

Oh no, she won't make it in time. But in the next second, she hears a familiar voice.

"Without me, you're so hopeless!"

After that scolding, she felt somebody lift her body off the ground. Her vision was very blurry, but she knew this warmth very well.

"Y-Yuhi."

It's Yuhi, as she thought the one who fired that shot moments ago was Yuhi.

Yuhi repeated her name over and over; the surrounding objects were being pushed back by his strong presence.

..

Sumire opened her eyes and heard the sound of people rushing back and forth. Yuhi had left her in the corner of the room, her back against a fairly sturdy-looking pillar.

Coming to her senses, Sumire sighed. She didn't feel as though she could stand anymore. But where did Yuhi go? Did he truly leave? If he is going to show himself, he shouldn't leave right away.

Her thoughts broke off when she heard the sound of somebody leaning against the other side of the pillar.

"Are you alright? Well, I suppose I have no right to ask that, do I? "

"Yuhi?"

"Don't turn around."

Ah, Sumire felt her heart clench in pain. This hurts. 'He must think that I don't even want to look at his face.' But that's not it.

How many nights since his departure did she count the days where she could meet him again.

"I'll leave right away. I know you don't want to see my face."

She felt his fingers touch hers; it was warm.

"My hands are trembling again. I'm pathetic."

That's right, Yuhi has always disliked weapons. This is why he would always train his body rather than rely on a weapon.

"I don't think you're pathetic. You saved everyone; you saved me." Sumire mumbled the last part quietly.

Just now, she heard it clearly. Yuhi's frantic voice when he realized she was in danger.

That voice gave away his true feelings.

"It's all because of you."

"Huh? But I didn't do anything?"

"I could only shoot because you were here. You gave me the courage I needed to pull that trigger. If not for you, I would have surely failed again."

That's her line. Just now, she would have caused a bloody scene in front of so many people. But when she saw those warning shots, she knew immediately.

The reason she carries this weapon is to protect. She cannot use it for any other purpose, no matter how much malice there is in the world.

The one who taught her those important values is this person.

"Is there not anything else you want to tell me?" Sumire mumbled.

"Well, there is, there are plenty of things. But I am sure you will strongly refuse me again if I tell you."

He is talking about his feelings, isn't he?

Sumire recalled their conversation over the phone not too long ago. "Why did you agree when I said a year if you were going here anyway?"

Yuhi must have heard what happened and came over because he was worried about her.

"I was worried about you; you sounded strange on the phone."

See? This person is truly kind. Her gaze softened; he was clumsy at expressing his emotions. But whenever he does, she feels a warm sensation in her heart.

"I'm okay."

"Your being as stubborn as ever." Yuhi sighed. "Well, I suppose that is like you."

"Your the one who-" Sumire winced in pain. Her entire body hurts so much, and her feet feel like they would fall off.

Her eyes widened when Yuhi suddenly appeared in front of her and kneeled down.

"I just said I wouldn't appear before you, but it's difficult. Let me see your wounds."

"I-I-I am-" Sumire kept fumbling over her words.

It's Yuhi; it's really him. Sumire's gaze fell on the man who was applying ointment on her wounded leg and massaging her feet. He is so attentive. Sumire felt her heartbeat increase. This is bad; she didn't think being this close to him would affect her this strongly.

What if he notices?

"So hey, about what we talked about on the phone."

"Y-yes?"

"My feelings for you haven't changed. I still love you. However, I understand your decision too. You probably thought you would get in my way. Even if I tell you no, it's true that if the media discover your presence, my road to the entertainment industry's top will come crumbling down. My dreams or love? I want the latter rather than the former."

"You can't!" Sumire exclaimed. "You can't, Yuhi."

She will never allow him to pick her over his dreams.

Yuhi reached over and flicked her forehead. "Honestly, this is killing me. If my biggest fan is telling me not to quit, how can I?"

"Your biggest fan?"

Yuhi sighed. "It's you. Even before we met, you were always sending me fan letters, not just to me but to the staff too. You were so attentive and sent me flowers to every concert."

That's right, because she could never personally go to his events without drawing suspicion from her mother; she used other means to convey her thoughts on his singing.

"How did you know it was me?"

"Your handwriting. When we first worked together as partners, I knew right away. Your handwriting was the same as the person who frequently sent me letters and flowers."

Oh, so he knew this entire time?

"You didn't think it was weird or obsessive?"

"How could I? You always encouraged me to sing; you told me how my songs inspired and helped you. As a singer, that is the biggest compliment. I won't quit Sumire. I know how much it would upset you." He trailed off. "Also, I like singing."

Her gaze softened when she heard his words. "I know that very well. Though, my heart skipped a beat a little when I think you'd go so far for me."

"It seems like my attempts to woo you aren't in vain. Hey, go to my concert."

"No." Sumire firmly rejected him. "You broke your promise and came to see me."

"Damn," Yuhi mumbled. "I had no choice. When I heard your tone and what happened to Masaru, I had to come here and make sure you didn't go crazy."

"Are you insulting me now?"

Yuhi laughed. "Your like a bomb; you need a switch; otherwise, you'd explode."

Sumire puffed her cheeks, annoyed. "If you're going to insult me, just leave."

"I guess it's about time to go anyway." Yuhi stood up and pointed to the large windows. There she spotted the back of a man with black hair wearing a green kimono. He mumbled a few words, and the entire entrance was covered in blue flames. "You should stop Aki from blowing this place into pieces."

'That reckless person! What is he doing using his ability now?' Sumire tried to stand up, but her feet still felt wobbly, so she lost her footing. But, instead of falling to the ground, Yuhi had caught her.

It was just brief, but it felt like their lips would touch, so she quickly backed away.

"You're acting like I have some type of deadly disease. Am I not even getting a thank you?"

"I-thank you." Sumire stammered.

Her cheeks felt hot; just now, when she got close, she smelled his cologne? Or was that his natural scent? Also, didn't he just try to kiss her- her thoughts broke off when Yuhi leaned forward. His lips lightly brushed against hers again.

Wh-what? Her heartbeat became frantic, and she closed her eyes. But even when she did that, she didn't feel his lips on hers. Instead, she felt his lips touch her forehead.

"-This will do for now," Yuhi mumbled. He was clearly frustrated. She found that a bit cute.

Sumire laughed, and Yuhi sighed.

"But, just so you know, after a year, my frustration will be at its peak. Prepare yourself then, Sumire."

"Yes, I will."

After she said those words, Sumire watched as Yuhi's back faded away into the distance. He must have used another entrance earlier.

He is leaving again; once again, he is going.

'No, please don't leave-Yuhi-'

Despite her weak legs, she tried to take a step forward only to stumble and land on a heap on the ground again. She felt tears fall from her eyes.

Just a few minutes ago, he was here; he was right here. But she still couldn't tell him.

'I love you. Please take me with you.'

Just eight words, but she couldn't say it again.