*UNEDITED*

"Ah…Thanks." She uttered quietly, but he picked it up. He nodded once in acknowledgement, and they stood awkwardly for a moment.

Sumire however broke that silence when she spotted something. Yuhi's right sleeve torn, exposing his skin. "Could it be from the cat earlier on?" she question.

When Sumire saw the sudden scowl on his face she burst into laughter once again. Even when they went around the block asking around, Sumire continued to laugh.

"How long do you plan on laughing?" Yuhi said annoyed.

"I'm sorry. It's just that it was the first time I've seen you look so surprised."

Indeed he is usually so stoic. Occasionally a wry smile would appear on Yuhi's face. During those times, she noticed her negative thoughts fading.

Her thoughts broke off when she spotted an ice cream truck. Sumire stopped laughing and pointed to the bench.

"Wait here a second." She does not stop to hear a response from him, and walked her way over.

It's so strange, whenever she is with him. That all the negative thoughts she usually has vanishes.

Sumire found the time and asked around. She received similar replies from people. 'You're the only one he treats that way.' The only one huh? perhaps he also…. The brunette shook the thought out of her head. She shouldn't be thinking of things like that anymore. When Sumire arrived at the front of the line, she noticed the stall lady looking her up and down.

She wore glasses, and a hat but maybe they recognize her? Sumire shifted around uncomfortably. But the older woman suddenly asked for her order and Sumire said. "Chocolate."

After a few seconds the lady passed her the ice cream and Sumire paid for it. But right until the last second, she couldn't miss how the lady looked. Once she finished paying, she walked back over to where Yuhi was.

She saw him stare at the sky, a deep expression on his face. 'He can be cute too huh?' Sumire thought. She passed him the whipped ice cream cone. "Thank you for putting up with my selfishness."

"I told you, I will protect you. I do not intend to take those words back."

Sumire knew he only said this because he felt responsible towards her. But, she felt her cheeks turn red at his words.

Somehow his words sent a wave of joy across her heart. Sumire wonders why that is, when she is with this person she can smile again. But, if she accepts his kindness isn't that betraying Mamoru? Can she truly do that?

'Ki, I love you.'

Sumire bit her lip, 'it's too hard.' She thought if she came here she would be able to move on. However, that isn't the case here. "I think, I'm tired." Sumire mumbled.

"Tired?" Yuhi repeated.

Weak laughter escaped her lips. "I think I'm tired of falling in love."

At that comment she watched as a complicated expression appeared on his face. He clearly didn't expect that from her, then again neither did she. Sumire doesn't even know why she is telling him of all people this. However if it's Yuhi she believes he will listen to her.

Sumire took a deep breath and stood up. The ocean breeze felt very nice. The air is still cold since it's February, yet Sumire didn't mind.

Yuhi also stood up. "You okay?" he asked.

"Oh, no it's nothing." For now things remained this way but in the future it will certainly be different, she grabbed hold of his hand. "Let's go."

"Alright."

The two of them quietly left the wall area and continued their search on the streets.

For the next few minutes nobody spoke. Sumire sighed quietly. 'Why did she make it awkward for?' Besides, her gaze fell on their hands. Why isn't he saying anything? This guy is so strange. He doesn't complain even though he should. From the first day since she arrived, he treated her with kindness. It's true they got along very well before. But after what happened last time when she stopped his confession. Sumire knew things would be awkward the next time they met.

She made it worse, not recognizing him until she heard his name. Quite some time has passed and his appearance has changed a lot. But, Sumire still found it odd that she couldn't tell it was him. 'Ahh, it's no good.' Her thought process is a mess again. She needs a subject, anything to break the life.

Her thoughts broke off when she spotted something around his neck. Sumire noticed it a long time ago, but she didn't say anything before.

"By the way, what's that thing you're always wearing?" Sumire decided to break the silence.

"A memento from the old man."

"From that guy?" Sumire immediately understood who he referred to. The old teacher at the dojo, the one who found it.

Yuhi nodded. "He sent it from some country when I was little."

That's vague but then again she is surprised they are even having this conversation. Yuhi has always disliked talking about himself.

"Which one?"

"I'm not sure. He was a soldier. He went wherever duty called. Anyway you actually became an idol." Yuhi awkwardly ran his hands through his hair. "You surprised me."

"Mm, my songs might even reach people now."

"Yeah."

"I've always liked to sing, even when it's painful." Sumire mumbled. She glanced over and saw a strange expression on his face. She hurriedly explained. "I know it sounds weird, but the song wells up in me and I can't help but enjoy it. If I could make people feel what I feel the pain will surely end."

That's right, if she keeps on singing then it will end. People will no longer have to suffer and feel such negative emotions.

"Maybe. Listening to your songs is fun too."

"Huh?" Sumire said puzzled. She glanced over at Yihi to see a warm hearted smile on his face.

"You see even when I'm in the middle of fight. I can hear your singing. It's vexing to admit, but I love your songs."

'I love.' Whenever Sumire hears those words, she ends up with conflicted feelings.

She felt a strange pain appear in her heart. 'It seems like there is something there.' But, a flash of maroon coloured hair appeared in her head. With the current situation, such feelings will vanish before anything could happen.

"So don't hold back. Sing with all your might. I'm out there to protect you." Yuhi declared.

At that comment she felt her cheeks grow hotter. He is so very foolish, saying such lines like that easily. To her surprise he suddenly pulled her into his arms, Sumire tried to pull away. But Yuhi's hold on her was too strong.

She sighed and gave up. 'He should be satisfied after a few minutes.' Sumire remained still and focused on other things. The scent of tobacco, and 'acrylic paint.' Sumire thought. After she parted ways with him, did he go somewhere and paint?

"Even if you only sing for one person. If you sing for that person from the very core of your heart then you can shine." Yuhi said.

Sumire backed away slightly and smiled. "Then, if I sing for you will you be able to hear it even after were apart from each other?"

She was only joking of course. But Yuhi immediately replied. "Of course I will."