July 5th

A scorching hot July morning, Yuhi found himself staring at the beautiful girl called Ibuki Sumire intently. Lately it seems the aura around her is different. She seems a lot more cheerful and outgoing. He watched her silently as some other students approached her. He wanted to call out to her since they were supposed to be meeting but he wanted to see something first.

It is a good thing that she is now able to speak freely with other students. But a part of him still worried sometimes. Once in awhile she would get that look on her face, that lonely look devoid of all hope. He no longer wants to see her that way.

But if this keeps up Sumire will become more popular and his time with her will be shorter than before. Since they arrived in Tokyo the guys from Quatro Light are kept busy with all the different work offers, but not for long. He needs to treasure the moments they spend with each other.

"Sorry I kept you waiting!"

"It's okay, you alright?"

"Mmm, they just had some questions about the painting sensei used as an example."

Other students are now comfortable enough to approach her and the teachers trust her. This is an ideal and good situation but he still feels uneasy.

"None of Quatro Lights groupies are harassing you anymore?"

"I still get the odd stares but thats all." She trailed off. "More importantly Yuhi-san what have you been doing the last few minutes?"

"Practicing self restraint."

At that comment Sumire laughed. "You don't have to, I feel a lot better these days."

Even if she says that he does not want to push her too much.

....

"So, did you call out to me so I could hear you play?" Yuhi entered the music room and closed the door behind them.

"En, I haven't played in awhile but I have a program coming up so I want you to judge whether it is okay."

He doesn't mind doing that but after not being alone with her for days he felt quite nervous. Only a short amount of time has passed since he came back, and he had to rush because Sumire was in labour.

"By the way I have something to give you." Yuhi took out a small parcel from his pocket. "It isn't much but .."

Sumire took the parcel quickly and her eyes brightened when she saw the small key chains. "Thank you!"

Yuhis eyes widened when he saw the bright smile on her face. What on earth is with that expression? Ever since he came back they do not spend as much time together as before since Sumire is taking her career seriously again but when they do she smiles like this. He unconsciously extended his hand out but immediately slammed his head against the wall.

"Y--Yuhi? What's wrong?"

"It's nothing."

This is bad, what on earth is this situation? Just now he thought that she looked very cute and wanted to touch her. Is his hand possessed or something? Sumire didn't even do anything and yet he still tried to make a move. This is no good, he does not want to frighten her.

Nagawa Sano did a great job making her frightened towards men during his absence. Yuhi knew it was a bad idea from the very start but he did not think the man would actually make a proper move. He let his guard down but it won't happen again.

His thoughts broke off when he saw Sumire extended her hand out. "Won't you get close? You're a bit too far."

Practice self restraint, since earlier he repeated that in his head. More like after his talk with Atsuro this is what he concluded. Giving birth was tough on her already weak body, so for a while Sumire will not be at her full strength.

Yuhi understood that and so he decided not to do anything. Despite all that talk a few months back about touching her again on her birthday nothing happened.

He turned to her and pushed her against the piano and cupped her cheeks. "You're a bit pale."

"Just a little cold."

Even though it is summer, Sumire is dressed in thick clothing. Yuhi didn't mind since he didn't like the idea of her wearing summer clothes that would expose her skin. He brushed his forehead against hers. "Warm?"

"Yuhi-san, you're acting so sly recently."

"Sly?"

"Yes." Sumire trailed off. "You don't touch me as much as before but do other things that leave me feeling nervous and a mess."

Yuhi chuckled as he lightly brushed his lips against hers. "Such as?"

"What you're doing now." She mumbled and closed the distance. It was a light kiss but the girl appeared flustered afterwards. "You're so mean."

"I learn from you." He nibbled on her lips. She tastes and smells so good all the time. But Yuhi knew better than to entertain his crazy thoughts. Besides they are in school too, he can't do anything weird.

Sumire is not like those two so he shouldn't do anything shameless and degrading. He needs to battle with his inner desires. Yuhi pointed to the piano.

"What will you play?"

"A new song. But well it is still in this draft stage." Sumire quickly moved away from him and sat down on the chair.

The moment her fingers hit the keys Yuhis gaze softened. A draft she says? A single note and he already knew this song would be good. It seems like it is no good after all. This girl will keep surprising him. If he isn't careful she will leave him behind in the dust. During that snowy concert several years ago, he found her in karaoke singing his songs.

He stood and listened for a while before he came in. It was the first time for him, hearing somebody sing his songs that way. So many people have done covers for his songs with different arrangements but it didn't sound like that. She stuck to the original score but there was something different about her voice.

"Say Yuhi-san?" Sumire spoke up as she continued to play.

"Hmm?"

"What do you think of the guys in Quatro Light?"

It seems Sumire is very keen on this whole idea of him being in a group with those guys. "I can't say much yet." Though he has kept an eye on them he isn't interested yet. Besides the one who stands out the most to him right now is Sumire.

Too bad he can't form a group with her. Yuhi understood very well how the entertainment world works, there is a reason why male and female groups are rare. A group aside it would be just them, he could already see what sorts of rumors would emerge.

He does not want her to get hurt from rumors ever again.