He does this often these days.

Kisses act as a substitute.

Though he made that comment about a few times every week. Yuhi has not touched her since that time. He is respecting and treasuring her. Sumire has never felt so much love from another person before.

The first time she did it with Mamoru, something felt weird. Maybe it was due to the situation but something was amiss then.

"Sumire, you don't have to worry anymore. I am right here beside you."

"But who said you wont leave?"

Didnt Ru promise her that he would be by her side however? How can she trust anybody who say those words?

Yuhi brushed a few stray locks from her face. "I won't leave you."

Four simple words that anybody could say and yet she feels so reassured. Yuhi is not lying, he means everything. He traced her lips and Sumire felt her heartbeat increase. Will he do something to her? What does she want him to do?

"Sumire." Yuhi repeated. "I am going to count to ten. I want you to push me away, stand up and go to the next room."

Sumire blinked when she heard those words. It took her a moment to realize what he was talking about. Could it be, this entire time he felt frustrated sexually? Sumire knew her already red face grew even hotter than before. So being in this position..

"Sumire. Listen to me, before it becomes bad for you."

How could she possibly move away when he obviously has her pinned against the ground? Besides even if she managed to push him away, he would catch her easily. Welp, she probably wouldnt mind it too much.

"--five, four.."

She was so focused on her thoughts that she did not realize that Yuhi was counting already.

"Zero."

Yuhi frowned slightly when he realized that she did not move away and in seconds he is kissing her passionately.

He chuckled. "So much for investigating, you distracted me."

"I didnt do anything Yuhi-san, it was you."

He was the one who hugged her and then pushed her down. They were having such a serious conversation too. One of his hands slid down her thighs and she shuddered.

"I want you so badly." Yuhi said huskily as he trailed his lip onto her neck. "No, I have always wanted you. I will wait until your eighteen and give you time to come to terms with your feelings. But I want you to know how frustrated I am."

Sumire closed her eyes and she tried to block it away. The image of Yuhi saying such sweet things to her, the image of him saying he loves her and the sensation whenever he does anything to her. But unfortunately she couldn't erase the image from her head.

She had to open her eyes knowing that Yuhi would do more if she kept quiet.

If she doesn't open her eyes, he would take that as an agreement right? The thought that she wants to become one with this person has crossed her mind several times. Yet Sumire always hesitated. She loves him, she has loved him for a very long time but she cant.

No matter how much one loves another person, there are boundaries that one cannot cross. The previous two times aside, she knew she would not be able to summon courage the third time. "Yuhi-san.." She mumbled softly and gestured with her hands to stop.

"Sorry." Yuhi slowly sat up and rubbed the back of his neck. "That was too forward of me."

"I dont dislike honest guys." Sumire mumbled.

Yuhi blinked and laughed. "Indeed, I have always found that part of you cute." He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead again. "I will look on the second floor. Can you handle the rest here?"

"Ah, yes."

She watched as he quickly headed up the stairs.

For someone who was talking about uncontrollable desires, he sure left me quickly.

Then again Sumire saw it the other way. It is difficult for Yuhi to be around her right now without him doing anything.

She shook her head and returned to the bookshelf.

'I ought to focus on my own work.'

..

The next hour or so was relatively peaceful as she made her way through the books rather quickly. Sumire selected a few and sat down in the seating area to read. For now this should be enough, she thought as she looked through the pile. This should be fine for now.

Sumire was so absorbed in her reading that she did not notice that Yuhi returned. He took a seat beside her and she only realized he was there when their fingers brushed against one another. "Yuhi-san?"

"Yeah."

"Did you find anything?"

"No, the second floor was useless. Let us go through the ones you found before looking for more."

"I see."

"Should I read this one or you?" He pointed to the book that both their hands touched. She quickly moved her hands away. Yuhi chuckled softly. "I guess I will read it then."

Just now, my heart sped up.

As she thought the person she loves is without a doubt Yuhi. Mamoru realized that a long time ago and yet he asked her out.

You were suffering Ki.

He asked her out because it looked like she was in pain. Yes she was in pain, a lot of pain. After her relationship with Sano and Ren ended. Sumire realized how much she missed Terashima Yuhi.

She has longed for him since that snowy concert so many years ago. When he invited her over Sumire recalled her emotions very well. Her beating heart and how he held her hand and gave those gentle kisses. How he spoke to her in that gentle voice.

This is the person she has loved for the longest time. The person she loves-- Sumire unknowingly edged closer until she rested her head on his shoulders. "I think this whole thing is stupid."

Yuhi played with her fingers. "Us dating you mean?"

"Yes."

"Well it was quite sudden. I can understand why you would have your doubts. I hope you don't think I pushed you into going out with me."

Sumire rolled her eyes. "Not exactly, but after you said something like that, how do you expect me to refuse?"

After receiving such a confession, she would be a fool to say no.