"You will catch a cold. Let's go inside." He said, averting his gaze.

For some reason, he could not meet her eyes. No, it's normal, after he just heard her whisper another man's name. That longing look and painful gaze. In the end, he is the cause of it.

He knew that nothing would stop the two from getting together and nothing stopping her from admitting her feelings for him. It would not stop her from leaving him. If it weren't for him, she would have left a long time ago.

Had it not been for that promise, surely she would have left him already. Soujiro knew that, and that's why he wasn't going to do anything more than this. He wasn't going to try and step over the boundary anymore.

Sumire laughed softly. "Aren't you forcing yourself too much? I won't bite."

Soujiro sighed. "This is not funny."

"Mmm, but I thought it would surprise you more seeing me today."

"I am surprised. But since this is you, I am sure you came by today because you heard nobody else is around."

Sumire blinked. "That is the exact reason. I thought today would be a good day to test if you would make a move on me or not."

At that comment, he placed his hand on his forehead. "What are you trying to do?"

He suddenly felt the girl place her hands on his cheeks.

"Sumire ?"

"Look at me. Look at me properly. Don't avert your gaze from me!"

At this comment, his eyes widened, and their gaze met. He looked directly at her violet-colored eyes. When he first glanced at it in the past, it reminded him of jewels, but now there is something else behind them.

It was similar to a flame, a burning, and passionate flame.

"I am looking," He managed to say.

Sumire smiled warmly at him. "Good."

Soujiro knew better than to look away now, but something occupied his thoughts.

I know your secret. Well, to be honest, that isn't quite right. It's not just that I know your secret. It's my secret, too. The one that I'm talking about, anyway. In fact, you may be very surprised to know how many have the same secret as you.

It was the words Tsueno Mamoru told him. Soujiro recalled it very well since the man caused such a huge disturbance that day.

How many people can keep a secret before it isn't a secret anymore?

The answer, if one looked at the situation realistically, is fewer than one would think.

Don't worry. We don't plan to tell anyone for now; your secret's safe with us. Whether it's safe with you is another question. Some secrets tend to remain hidden, but others have a mind of their own. Even if you do not say it, eventually, people find out.

….

Soujiro woke up sweating and breathing heavily. He placed his hand on his damped forehead and felt the tears drop from his eyes to his cheek.

He shivered; suddenly, the room was much too cold for him, despite the high-class conditioning. He scans his surroundings, indeed, to find him in his living quarters.

Soujiro tried to recall what had happened. That's right, he got tired from paperwork, went outside, and found his fiance there. Then he led her inside to his quarters only to find out that the room she once stayed in was going through repairs.

He scans the room not to find a single spec of her brown hair. Did she go home already? It wouldn't surprise him if she did. She probably didn't know he was here today. No, but even so, why did she come all the way here? Surely he has already informed her about the once-in-a-while breaks he gives his people?

It was was one of the first things they discussed upon meeting again. It can't be that she has forgotten either.

Soujiro knew that one of his fiance's strong points was her strong memory, so it isn't that. He stayed in that position until he heard the sound of chopping. Eh?

The sound was rather close by, but he could not believe it. There is no way, but there should be nobody else in the mansion today.

Soujiro stood up and opened the adjacent door to find the brown-haired girl in the kitchen area. She wore a pleated apron.

"Soujiro, your up? I've made you breakfast."

He scans the wooden table to see all sorts of dishes ranging from small rolled-up omelets, rice and stew. Soujiro starred at the table with wide eyes. He looked confused for a few minutes before he made his way over.

"What brought on this sudden change of heart?"

Sumire looked at him proudly. "Look at this. I just cracked a double yolk. Isn't that lucky?" She said, holding out a bowl.

"What are you up to?" Soujiro asked her again. "This time, do not play any games with me."

"I already told you."

Soujiro doesn't respond but stares at her intently, causing her to fidget with her fingers.

"I'll do the cooking, cleaning, and laundry. I heard that your family's maids are going to take a rather extended vacation, and it doesn't seem right to make your subordinates do this."

At that, he noticed the girl's cheeks turn red. "T--that's why for a while I'll be dropping in and helping you out."

The third prince doesn't know who leaked that information out. However, he quickly looked at the girl's expression again. If he can get such an expression to appear on her face, even just for a little while, he will take that opportunity.

Soujiro sat down. "Tea."

Sumire laughed softly. "Your tastes have changed." She slid a cup of tea in front of him, and he blinked.

"But you have, at least in the past, you could not do something like this."

"Then, since I have changed now, can you do a favor for me?"

Soujiro sighed. "You should have mentioned that from the start. But before you say anything, has Terashima communicated with you regarding his investigations?"

"Mm, he said there are chances that a strong hanyou is involved."

"I presume you have a better understanding of your abilities now?"

Sumire nodded and extended her hand out until he saw small droplets of blood dancing in the air. Soujiro frowned. He thought she had a fire ability, but it seems there is something else there.

He is the type of person who does not believe in things until there is evidence. This is why he researched thoroughly before he believed in the existence of humans with evolved genetics.