Gallery - Tokyo - 14:00

When she suggests to go to the art gallery. Shin didn't think much of it until they got separated. Just when he was about to surrender, he spots brown hair leaning against the wall.

He blinks and rubs his eyes. He isn't seeing things is he?

Shin walked over to confirm it.

Sumire.. it really is her. .. Their gaze meets and she immediately turned the other way but she didn't get very far. No sooner did she stop leaning against the wall, she yelped in pain.

"Ouch."

"What are you doing?"

"You see, my shoes broke. So I was leaning on the wall just now to support myself. But when I saw you I had this urge to run away."

Hah? What the hell is that? "I don't remember doing anything to make you run away from me." Shin sighed when he saw the look in her eyes. "Let's go over there."

It didn't take long before he sat her down, and got some medical supplies out.

"Shin, do you. ..really not like that person. anymore?"

"Up until middle school, I liked her a lot. Even now when I'm left alone with her those feelings tend to emerge. However, right now there is someone else I'm interested in. That person already has somebody they love a lot, so I am not planning on confessing or anything. However, leaving them alone wouldn't be good too. When they are alone they are so reckless."

Wait wait what is he doing giving out details? What if she figures it out? No no, not even she's that smart. His thoughts break of when she reaches over and pats his hair.

"That must be difficult, your sure hanging in there. I'm sure that girl will at least notice how much you care about her. "

That would be nice sounding words and all; if it wasn't coming from the source of his problems. Geez, for someone so intelligent. How does she not understand that so many guys like her? Sure there are those who hide it quite well.

"Today why did you agree to go out with me? Weren't you supposed to be practicing with your friends? "

"Yeah, were taking a break. I wanted to see the painting." Sumire laughed. "You coincidentally asked me out too."

"There, done."

"Thanks a bunch Shin! You even fixed my shoes."

"It's a temporary fix. "

"Still, thanks."

She seems so cheerful...

"Don't stand up yet though. It probably still hurts." Sumire nodded. Hearing a beeping sound he turned to the black hair girl beside him. ..

Huh? What? Shin blinked. 'She looks flustered and shy.' That's completely unheard of. Ibuki Sumire is a strong and confident woman.

What did the message say? He only catches the ending, since the entire message couldn't be displayed on screen. But its enough for him to understand.

From: Yuhi

If, I were to tell you all that in person

would it make you happy?

Since when did their text messages include proper declarations of love instead of senseless flirting? But huh, if its like this; then there is no need to worry. Even if some other person steps in, these two will be just fine from now on. Although this really rubs salt on his wound, it can't be helped.

From the very beginning, he never expected anything to come out of this love. Seeing her this happy, he's glad that he never confessed to her.

It's a good thing that he didn't say anything.

"Shall we get going?"

Sumire nodded and stood up. She still seemed unsteady while walking, so Shin kept a close eye on her.

There are loads of people here. What's more, why does she keep looking at him? 'Yuhi, you have to put a leash on your girlfriend - she can't just keep staring at guys for long time and expect the other party not to be affected.'

Rather what's with her staring at him?

"Shin, did you get taller?"

"Huh, I suppose so." Shin replied vaguely.

Sumire laughed. "How strange. Even though we used to be the same height before. I guess we really are high schoolers now."

"It's a bit too late for you to be realising that. " Though he doubted Sumire thought that way back then. After all, she's no longer sticking like glue to that person anymore.

"How have you been doing recently? On that department. You haven't been submitting any papers recently."

"I haven't had the time. Though I have the luxury to express my intelligence freely unlike mother did..."

"Yet your entering the national exams?" Shin noticed her entry, since she often checked the list out.

Lila nodded.

"What's your plan?"

"To get first place."

His sweat dropped, what's with that confidence? But then again, she could probably do it; overtake him. Even though she has been busy recently, she's probably been studying whenever she gets the chance. Even though its not enough for her to produce papers, in her own way she has been putting in a lot more effort.

"I have to ask though. Between words and numbers which one do you like better?"

"That's a good question. But in the end I like them both equally. Words and numbers, in my eyes they are both so very beautiful. Though unknown words and numbers can be similar to the unknown. I still want to explore the world of literature and mathematics, even in a foreign language and formula. That's why I am working on my language."

"Working on it?"

When does she have time to do this? Isn't she busy with investigating the cases?

"I know it is frustrating looking words in a dictionary and formulas in books. But I think every single word and number is important. Nothing moves me more then a word that holds so much meaning that it shines and sparkles. A world like that is the sweetest in the world. "

That's right. From the very moment he met Ibuki Sumire she was already like this. Someone filled with confidence whenever she talks about anything associated to her dreams.

When he first met her, he really was envious. By that point he reached the limits of his research; and though he was being given so many opportunities in the science field. It felt as though something was missing.