"How did you meet Yuhi?"
Atushi sighed. "It was the worst meeting ever. But before I knew it, he was visiting this bar a lot and even occupied the sofa a lot. Right around that time, he saved Jae from some bullies, and Jae started following him around, worshiping him like some King. Before I knew it, he had extended a helping hand to so many people, and this place became their base."
"Ah." This is the first time for her to see such a tender expression on Atushi's face. In the past, it was difficult for her to understand him.
Everybody is changing; it isn't just her. These changes are for the best, and the main trigger for this change was Ru's accident. To think time still goes on even if somebody important vanishes. If that is the case, then does that mean that person had no value?
No, there is no doubt that so many lives changed because of Ru helping them. Time stopped for a while when he passed away, but humans move forward. They may still hold grief in their hearts, but they work hard to overcome it so they can move forward.
It would be the same for her, even if she knew Ru was alive. Sumire understood that she would not give up her current life just to return to him. He probably understood that too, and that was why he let her escape.
Before Sumire could say anymore, the doors opened, and she felt a familiar pair of arms wrap around her from the back. "Hey, how much longer are you going to stay out here and flirt with different guys?"
Sumire laughed softly. "I don't think I am brave enough to do something like that."
"Is that so?"
Atushi shook his head. "This woman is too frightening to mess with; only you could get away flirting with her, Yuhi."
Sumire pouted at those words. Is he saying she is scary? Well, she can't deny that, but he has the nerve to say that when he used to like her. Then again, maybe that is why he can say that? Gah, she shouldn't think too deeply about it.
Her thoughts broke off when she felt something cold on her cheek. Oh? Sumire looked up at the dark skies and saw small droplets of snow falling. Her violet-colored eyes brightened as she saw the snow.
Yuhi lets her go, and she walked down the steps as she danced happily. Atushi said he would head inside to check on the destruction inside and left her alone with Yuhi.
"If you dance like that tomorrow, then maybe you will impress your partner."
Sumire sighed. "Are you and Atushi holding a grudge or something? What is with all the insults today?"
"Nothing, but sometimes I am envious when I see you confine in other people when you can easily talk to me."
She rolled her eyes at those words. "Your jealousy is becoming very petty, Yuhi-san. I mean, we already had an honest talk. I was just reminiscing with Sora and Atushi."
"You can do that with me too; we have plenty of memories."
Sumire looked over at him and noticed how gloomy he was. Geez, is he truly sulking about this? She supposes she has no choice.
"I am waiting for you
Wow, oh, wow, oh
Open Dream Land
Decorate my favourite song with desire.
I call you over
What I have is different from others
Because there are a lot of likes."
The snow was falling and settling quickly, but she could still do basic dance moves as she sang.
"Continue to turn around
The key to the heart
If we meet here
The world continues
A flash of a promise
When you share your future in this chest, the door is open
This is the entrance to the heart race land." Sumire sang.
When she finished singing, Yuhi burst into laughter, and her eyes twitched, annoyed. "There, I perform an exclusive song for you and yet!"
Yuhi laughed. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to laugh. But I just thought you could sing and dance no matter where."
"Of course, I am a professional!"
Yuhi's gaze softened. "Indeed you are; that was a nice song. When did you have time to write that?"
"It was supposed to be my next single," Sumire mumbled. "The release date was the day after the accident. I would have performed it in my concert first, and the release would be the next day."
This is why she had very mixed feelings regarding the song for so long. But after much thought, she decided that she still wanted to go through with releasing this.
Sumire didn't realize when Yuhi left the steps area and approached her until he stood directly in front of her. "Yu-" Her sentence fell short when he cupped her cheeks.
"Inside your head, there is ninety-nine percent about your dreams and the poor one percent for me."
"Your jealousy is even extending to my dreams now?"
"But if I think about it, your dreams are because of me."
Sumire rolled her eyes at that comment of his. But she cannot deny it; indeed, everything started from this person. It is because of Terashima Yuhi that she even became an idol. The reason why she even entered this industry.
Her gaze softened. Everything started with this person, and she does not doubt that everything will end with him too. Deep down, she most likely decided a long time ago to be with this person forever.
"Yuhi-san, why don't we take a short walk?"
"A walk, huh." Yuhi trailed off. "Before then, I want to do something for you."
Something for her thoughts broke off when he suddenly kissed her. It was a gentle and brief kiss, but she felt his love behind it. When Yuhi drew back, he brushed their foreheads together.
"I want you to achieve your dream, but I want to be there with you."
"Right now, I'm working hard so I can stand next to you properly."
Yuhi shook his head. "You are working hard because you like to sing and because you want to see people's smiles when they hear your songs. Sumire, everything may have started with me. But along the way, you found your own goals. That is the meaning behind your song."
Her eyes widened when she heard those words. How is he able to interpret her songs so well?
Yuhi squeezed her hands. "Let's get going."