A few days later, September XX - Tokyo

She didn't intend to fall in love.

That's how it was supposed to be. She learned those things at a young age because of her status in the elite circle. They told her not to fall in love and treat that marriage as something that will benefit the family.

Due to the circumstances, Sumire never asked either of her parents if they loved each other. Whenever others saw them together, they look like the perfect couple. But now that she thought of it was it not only for show? She can't be too sure, and now she doesn't have anyone to ask.

Sumire kicks the stone in her feet to a nearby curb.

She came out here to apologize for failing to attend that music program, but in the end, they tossed her out before she even said a word.

Sumire sighed deeply. She knew it would not be easy, but this is way too much.

In the end, exactly why did she submit to such an emotion? She shuts her eyes; that person's color was so very pretty and to her, to her whose world filled with monotone colors. She didn't understand why that person seemed to be so very bright, a gorgeous red.

Perhaps it was fate. After all, despite being a high member of the elite, she rejected the lifestyle of an elite member; she didn't want to live like that. Even now, it's the same; she doesn't want to be bound by any rules. She wonders if that's the reason she fell in love. Is it because she wanted to rebel? If so, then it really is quite amusing.

'It may be the country's wish for you to remain ignorant. Defer to their will and think of that as being for the sake of your country, and I'm sure they will be happy.'

It was one of the very first proper conversations she had with Soujiro after their engagement banquet.

In the end, she couldn't do that.

At one point, those emotions became important to her, despite her empty and fleeting days. After she met that person, she started to desire emotions that she shouldn't have and even strength.

She began to desire the strength to be able to protect the others around her. If she ended up failing at becoming stronger, then perhaps things may not have ended up this way. Indeed it may have been different.

Her thoughts broke when a motorbike parked in front of her; she didn't notice the person getting off. The moment he did, he placed his hand on her eyes.

"You're so troublesome. How many times do you have to cry?"

Her eyes widened at those words. Indeed, how many times has she cried in front of this person? It is strange; when she is around other people, she cant shed even a single tear. But in front of this person, she always breaks down.

He is the only one who has seen this weak side of her—the only one who will accept it.

"I don't want to hear that from the person who was clearly stalking. You can't justify yourself now, Mr. Stalker-san."

"Sumire."

She took a step forward and closed the remaining distance as she buried her face in his arms. "Sorry, but just for a few minutes."

...…

Yuhi always says he doesn't know what to do when she cries. But he sure does a good job at cheering her up.

Once they arrived at the beach, she removed her shoes off and moved towards the ocean. The moment her feet made contact with the water, she felt a familiar cold seep through her body.

"This feels great! Yuhi, you should also ----" Her sentence fell short when she felt the black hair boy grab hold of her hand, such a warm hand despite a black flame. "Ah, I didn't know you were bold… that's quite unpleasant." She changed her words halfway when she saw the look in his eyes.

"Sumire, are you hiding something from me?"

He really is direct, huh? But this is one of his good points. It is because he is so straightforward that she accepted his confession. He is not the type of person who would lie to her. If he fell for another person, he would not bother sneaking around and lying about it. He would tell her directly.

"Aren't you going to let go of my hand? If people see us like this, they'll mistake us for a couple, it's not too far from school, and I know people pass by this way."

"Since when were we, not a couple?"

"Hmmm, did I directly say we are dating?" She teased him.

Yuhi, however, was not in the mood for jokes. "You didn't have to. I can tell just by looking at you. You are in love with me."

At that comment, her eyes widened. "Yuhi."

"I already told you before, did I not? Even if you see life as a script, I do not think that way. You are wrong for relying on another person's script instead of writing out your own."

Sumire nodded. "You told me that you wouldn't live by another person's script and write out your own ending."

"Yeah, that's right, even now that hasn't changed. No," Yuhi shook his head. "Something has changed along the way. I also want to write a part of your ending, even if it doesn't match with mine," Yuhi said.

She should have noticed how close he was getting, but she was too occupied with the conversation. So when she did realize, it was too late. He didn't kiss her, yet he nibbled on her lip - almost as if he was trying to savor it.

Yuhi quickly let go of her and scratched the back of his head again. She couldn't miss the red color on his cheeks. Normally she would tease him, but how can she when she is just as embarrassed as him.

"W--hat was that for?"

"I was doing something illogical."

At those words, her eyes widened. Isn't he the idiot here? She took a step forward and rested her head against his chest.

"Yuhi's color is warm. Even now, I still think so."

From the very moment, they met during that snowy concert, several years ago. She has always thought that only warmth surrounds him, whether it was his smile or his kind words. Sumire felt a pounding sound in her heart and averted her gaze. It seems she truly likes him. But, there are still many things she cannot tell him.