"Do whatever you want." Yuhi said coldly.

The same things as she does, huh? He wonders if that's truly the case, that person has always done everything at her own pace after all. Just charging in straightforward without thinking much about the consequences.

...

An hour later, XX Street.

One of the places he often went to as a child was Hino's place. He even lived here for a short while because he wanted to escape from everything. He was familiar with everything, the secret entrances, and the staff. While there have been changes over time, it was still the same place.

"Hino, what did you want to ta-" He stopped mid-sentence when he sensed something odd.

Yuhis gaze fell on the couch where he saw Nagawa Sano, and a strange black aura came from him. No to be precise, it came from the bite markings on his neck. The color drained completely from his face, which is white as a ghost right now.

"You didn't bring Sumire." Hino pointed out.

"Of course not."

"Yuhi-"

"Let me see what is wrong first."

Even though Sumire has gradually learned more about her abilities, she still lacks sufficient knowledge and understanding. It won't do any good calling her over here, and she won't know how to reverse it.

He walked over and pulled up a stool. "Does this guy take any medications or anything?"

"I wouldn't know, but Sumire does. I saw her give him tablets before."

That is not helpful information. Maybe he should call Atsuro over? While he is not unfamiliar with treating injuries like this one, he doesn't want to risk triggering anything. But, Yuhi recalled the exchange he had with Yamaguchi Ryou. This isn't the best time to rely on Atsuro.

Atsuro would use this opportunity to pressure Sumire.

Yuhi examined Nagawa, but after he finished, he picked up his phone. This is no good, and not even he can do anything about this. When Sumire bit him, some of her power leaked out, and she passed it onto Nagawa. But if that was the only issue, then he could fix this. However, Sumire is a hanyou, an extremely strong one.

According to hanyou rules, drinking the blood of someone who is not the significant other can lead to violent side effects. Yuhi recalled a conversation he had with Nagawa not too long ago in the hospital and sighed. It seems this answers his question, and they are not blood compatible. Nagawa Sano is not her destined one.

He took out his phone, but a hand shot out and grabbed it.

"Nagawa?"

"After the concert ends," Sano said sharply.

"There is still time before the concert. Your condition is bad; let Sumire come." Hino interjected.

"Before--before she went to practice, she was severely hurt."

"When I saw her, she only had a few bruises." Yuhi trailed off. "What do you mean severely hurt?"

"She tried to hide it from me. But I think she sustained a serious blow to her head. It was the only thing that didn't heal well when she drank my blood."

Yuhi clenched his fist when he heard that explanation. That is weird; a head injury should be the first to heal.

"Anyway, don't tell her. I will be fine, and I should-"

"Are you crazy?" Hino exclaimed. "You vomited blood earlier. You are not okay."

He vomited blood? This seems more serious than he thought. Calling Atsuro might not help; it would be better to get Sumire here. As Yuhi racked his head for ideas, he felt somebody enter the room and looked up.

"Im here."

Yuhis eyes widened when he saw Sumire by the door. But the girl wasn't alone, and a familiar purple-haired woman was with her. Sumire still wore her practice clothes underneath her jacket, and she didn't even change her shoes.

"Yumi-senpai, if I faint."

"I understand."

Sumire rushed over, and Nagawa tried to sit up, but she laid him back down. "It's okay."

"You have a live."

"You just have to trust me." Yuhi watched her hesitate as she said those words. "You can do that, right?"

In the next second, Yuhi watched as a bright light appeared from Sumires palm. He blinked puzzled and heard a chuckle beside him.

"It seems as though she has secretly practiced."

"I see." Yuhi trailed off. "I should be the one helping her with that."

"But you're busy, aren't you, Terashima-kun? Still struggling?"

"Yes."

It was unfortunate that he could not spend as much time with her as he did before. But no matter how late he is, she would always be waiting up for him. This is why he started to hide his schedule from her. Even when he returns home and finds her asleep, she would wake up after five minutes, almost like she knew he was there.

"I understand how you feel. I also dislike doing jobs where I couldn't sing. However, back then, I coped with it because I knew it wasn't the time yet. I have to establish myself first, and then when I am at the very top, I can shape the entertainment industry with my own hands."

"But even you-"

Yumi chuckled. "Indeed, even me. But that is fine. That just means somebody else can shape things."

Yuhi did not miss her gaze, which was on Sumire. "Are you referring to Sumire?" It was a stupid question, of course.

From the moment he knew that Takahashi Yumi was Sumires mentor, he understood something. The one she wants to pass her legacy and surpass her is her beloved student.

"Don't you have another student?"

"Yes, I do. Two more, but one isn't interested in rankings anymore. She is a carefree spirit."

"And the other?"

"Even without me saying anything, she became interested in Sumire-chan."

Yuhi deeply sighed when he heard those words. "At least tell her not now. Sumire is having a hard time, and while competition will help her grow, I don't think she is too focused on her dreams right now."

"Even I understand that. The accident put a lot of mental strain on her. I am not expecting her to get over things quickly, but Terashima-kun, I at least want to prepare her for what she has to face."

He saw the serious expression on her face and frowned. "Is it-"

"I am afraid so, a group of dangerous people has their eyes on Sumire-chan. I am sure you figured that out?"

"We did, as in Atushi and me. But why can I ask? I know she messed with a group of yakuza before, but surely that incident was not a big deal?"

"Terashima-kun, what I am about to tell you. Do not tell her."

"I don't like keeping secrets from Sumire."

The older woman sighed and rubbed the temple of her forehead. "Then perhaps I shouldn't say either. It is fine for now since I will be in Tokyo for a while. I can react faster if something happens. Terashima-kun, you should continue with what you have been doing this entire time."

What has he been doing this entire time?

Yumi chuckled. "Keep treating Sumire-chan as an ordinary girl. Even though she does not express it very well, I am sure she is grateful."