"You're a better scholar than I thought."

"You can compliment me, but Sumire was the one who taught me this stuff."

"I see. Your right there. In Lewis Carrolls, through looking at glass, the red Queen commented now here you see it takes all the running you can do to keep the same pace. To simplify what you said, Van Valen concluded that species have to run to evolve. If two species want to co-exisit and stay in the same place, this is the only thing they can do; otherwise, they will go extinct."

"So?"

"There is an underworld organization called the black phoenix. These people are ruthless individuals who want to take advantage of individuals who have evolved and manifested abilities." Shin sighed. "Sumire is one of those people."

"Yeah."

"Why didn't you say something sooner?"

"You make it sound so simple. If I told you that Sumire has powers, you would look at me like I was some kind of crazy person. But I thought you saw the signs anyway, like her unusual strength…"

It never crossed Yuhis's mind to inform Shin regarding this and simply discussed it with Atushi and Jae. The main reason was because he did not want Atsuro to know.

"She needs protection."

Yuhi shook his head. "She won't trust the police even if it is the special forces. Shin, if you want to protect her, you don't need something fancy."

He knew that Shin had feelings for Sumire even now. It is strange for him to give his rival advice like this. But this was the only thing he could do to ensure that she is safe. It is difficult to protect her openly with his status, but with Shin, it is much easier.

No matter what happens, he will ensure that she is safe.

.....

It seemed like he arrived too early, so Yuhi decided to play the piano for a bit. If he delays that concert anymore, then it would be troublesome for Hino and the company. He does not want to cause Hino any problems. If he practices for the concert, it would mean leaving Sumire alone a lot. It seems like he has no choice.

I should tell Shin everything else.

Her safety is the most important thing right now. It is better that she is left alone with Shin than anybody else. Sure there is Atushi and Jae too, including the other guys, but Shin is different from them.

The special police force, people refer to it as SF. A group of individuals scouted from different police departments all across the world. At first, Yuhi assumed that Shin only had a minimum involvement, like knowing somebody from the force. But from his words earlier and based on past behavior, he is a member of the police force.

Yuhi thought he was the only weird one with multiple occupations, but Shin is stranger. An idol, teacher, and now somebody from the SF? That man is busier than anybody else. But he is still the best choice to become Sumire's protector.

His thoughts broke off when he spotted somebody staring at him, intently from the corner.

Yuhi chuckles and calls her over, "Come over here."

"En!"

Sumire made her way over and looked around, wondering where she should sit. There were no other chairs in the room. He pulled the girl towards him that lead to her sitting on his lap. The girl's back against the piano. He murmurs against her neck. "Hah, I'm sort of tired."

That talk with Shin wore him out. Yuhi understood that Shin wanted to discuss something important but who would have thought it was that? It seems like he has underestimated that man.

He feels her gentle hands run through his hair.

"Go to sleep?"

"Mm, later. I want to flirt with you for a bit."

Sumire laughed softly. "That is quite straight forward of you Yuhi-san, but that is the part of you that I like the most."

It is huh?

"What have you been up to?"

"I spoke with Asami for a bit. Then afterwards, I watched Aikas drama rehearsal. I ended up joining, too; it was a lot of fun."

"I see, that's good." He lifts his head up to see the girl was looking at him with a somewhat complicated expression.

"What's wrong?"

"Yuhi, Im a good singer, right?"

"Yeah, a very pretty one too."

"But, unlike you. I still lack many skills. It was fun performing with Aika. But, in the process, I realized I was missing something."

So that's it. Yuhi supposes it was only normal for her to realize.

"You don't have to rush, there's still plenty of time. What?" He cut his speech short, seeing her expression unchanged—even growing worst.

"I get what you're saying, Yuhi. But, If I don't hurry. You'll leave me behind."

For a moment, Yuhi looked at her with wide eyes. Huh? Huh? Wait, what is she talking about?

Sumire sighed. "Don't you remember what I wrote in that letter?"

So that's it, he nuzzles his head against hers, "Don't be silly, I won't leave you behind. I said that earlier too. Learn to believe me more, or else I'll be sad."

"Don't be sad, Yuhi."

He chuckles.

She always notices things about him rather than herself. Really, what's going on, in that pretty head of hers? Just thoughts about him? When he saw her gaze, he leans forward and lightly kisses her lips, causing her to pout.

"Yuhi-san, you have become a boring person these days. Are you truly satisfied with that?"

If she is asking him whether he is satisfied, the answer is obviously known. But like he told her not too long ago, he wants to treasure her properly.

"You seem tired; you need to rest," Sumire said.

"Rest, huh? I suppose I do; there is no place to lay down here, though." He thinks for a minute.

...

When they arrived at the atler, Yuhi scanned the room and found the pillow he left on the ground last time. Sumire quickly joins him. When he saw this, though, he mustered some strength to make it more comfortable for her. He got out a futon and laid it out, alongside additional blankets. It may be getting warmer, but Sumire keeps getting a fever these days.

It must be because of her pregnancy. She sleeps a lot, fatigue, nausea - the only thing left to confirm is that. But as a guy, it is a bit awkward for him to ask her. How does he bring it up?

Despite these troubling thoughts, unknowingly, he ended up kissing her hair, cheeks and held her hand.

"Aha."

Sumire always finds it funny when he spoils her. Yuhi simply pats her hair and lays back down next to her.

"Yuhi, you need to be more attentive towards yourself too."

"Na, it's fine if I have strength only when it's for you."

"But, you have to take care of yourself."

Hearing the loving tone behind her scolding, he laughed softly in her hair, and she puffed her cheeks.

"I'm serious! You're just as bad as me."