After he calmed her down, Yuhi learned that Aika gave her some strange book to read. A quick skim through was all it took for him to understand. That stupid woman, what is she trying to do? Yuhi was skeptical about Aika's friendship towards Sumire. While Aika is a good person-- that person is not pure at all.

His gaze fell towards the girl who was busy sketching away. He was tired but when she suggested cuddling he could hardly refuse her. It seems like the one who is in charge of this relationship is her. Not that he minds it too much.

"Say Yuhi? Did you watch the news today? It seems like the government is planning on introducing that paradise program."

The Paradise program was something the government cabinet members came up with to deal with the class division. Those who are deemed fit for the new paradise, the new space will be separated from others.

"A safe and perfect society is just an illusion." Those words slipped out before he could stop himself. He saw with his own eyes how people easily relied on an external force for safety, and he also witnessed the violent reaction in its absence. "The society we live in now is still a dangerous society."

"Dangerous?" Her question came out in a whisper.

"In this society, people depend on things that are convenient but also dangerous. Our government made us take risks, but the risks were dispersed and distributed so cleverly that no one was able to notice it." He paused when he saw that she put the pencil down.

Should I continue or not?

Yuhi took her silence as a yes and continued. "No, people noticed it. Despite what it would seem like, not all humans out there are stupid. Some would even say that the human race is smarter than most. Humans can easily mask their feelings and become a completely different person. They pretended not to notice, they pushed it aside because they understood it was dangerous."

"So in other words everybody is a coward."

He chuckled at her conclusion. "I suppose."

"But at the same time humans are clever. They assessed their situation, realized they were powerless. Rather than act recklessly and end up putting the ones they care about at risk, they chose to going along with it. By going along with everything, nobody will get hurt. By listening to the rules, their normal lives are not in danger."

Yuhi had to admit that he was impressed. It seems like the only person who can understand his way of thinking is Ibuki Sumire.

"Do you think the citizens of this town, including me, were that clever?"

Yuhi paused when he heard those words. A strange feeling overcame him and he immediately stood up. He realize that he was one of the guilty few who had chose to look the other way, accepting his fate. Even if it meant protecting her, is it not a sin to look away? He is not like everybody else, unlike them he is not powerless. He has the power to change things.

"I don't like to lump people together when I speak, since everyone is different, but let me tell you my thoughts. Humans are clever, we make our choices based on our situation. We can avoid our responsibilities or take action recklessly."

"Then what about those who have the power to change things but chose to look away?"

At that comment Yuhi sighed. "Are you upset about something?"

"I am. Why did you stand up? Weren't we cuddling?"

His lips curve to a smile. "I thought you wanted me to listen to Hino?"

"Did he say anything about hugging?"

"Come over here Sumire."

Sumire nodded and got up. She walked across the room to where he was and he led her to the balcony. He wrapped his arms from behind her and hugged her from behind.

"Yuhi.."

"I am tired."

She turned to face him and caressed his cheeks. "Then we should go inside and sleep."

He shook his head and slumped his head on her chest.

"Let us remain this way for a bit longer."

.........….

Iro Road High School - Festival Day one -

A deep sigh crossed Yuhi's lips as he carried the signboard in one hand. He thought back to the events of last night and shook his head. What was he doing showing Sumire his weak side like that?

He wondered if she noticed it, otherwise why else would she have agreed to live with him? When he first proposed the idea of Sumire living together with him he insisted it was for her own good. This way she would no longer have to face the nightmares alone. But the other reason was for his sake.

One of his greatest fears is closing his eyes and sleeping. Sleep was the last thing on his mind at the end of the day.

The enveloping darkness only brought him anxious feelings on the future. It reminded him of the bloody memories that plagued his subconsciousness. These memories that he cant move on from and thus trapping him in the past.

He spent countless nights regretting. Yuhi learned that guilt was a double-edged sword. While he could use that time to investigate and hone his skills more, it led to countless sleepless nights. At the start he accepted his situation. He accepted that he could not sleep since his mind told him it was not time to move forward yet.

He would spend the entire night awake, reading through past case files. He read through any material that would lead to him finding the killer and learned to adapt to the world without sleeping. He learned how to make good coffee and he exercised daily to prevent the mental strain, it also helped increase his stamina.

So he could function as a regular member of society, he would take naps during the day. As the years went by he continued living this way until he met her, until he met Ibuki Sumire.

His thoughts broke off when he spotted the woman that occupied his thoughts. She was talking to Aika about something and laughing. For a moment all he could do was stare at her. Why is she so beautiful? Why does he find everything she does endearing? Ever since she returned to his life, she completely messed up his rhythm.

She turned around and their gaze met. Sumire extended her hand out. "Cigarette."

Yuhi blinked before he chuckled. He passed her the packet in his pocket immediately. She looked at the one he was smoking. "Finish that one then no more till later."

"Yes mam." Yuhi joked.

Sumire however wore a serious expression on her face. "As a vocalist you should treasure your voice more. I know there are many vocalists who smoke but--" Yuhi cut her off by hugging her. "Yuhi-san, it seems you are learning how to bribe me."

"Yeah."

Whenever she starts lecturing, the best thing to do is hold her like this. Not only does it calm her down but he also gets something out of this. He felt a pair of soft lips against his neck. "Yuhi." She mumbled.

"Mm?"

"Good morning."