The conversation came to a close after he said that. This is what he liked about Atushi and Jae; they have never pressured him. Atushi gets frustrated with his actions, it shows on his face a lot, but his friend respects his decision and waits until he talks about it. Jae is always smiling and occasionally says straightforward things, but he waits for the right moment.

Sometimes he thinks those two understand him better than himself.

When he came up with the tray of food, he realized that the girl was no longer in bed. But he heard the sound of water from the bathroom, so naturally, he joined her. However, for the last few minutes, the girl kept averting her gaze and covering her body with his arms.

"Why are you freaking out?" Yuhi asked, puzzled.

Why is she behaving like this? It is not like this is the first time. Actually, at the start of their relationship, they frequently took baths together. For her to act shy over this now seems odd. Moreover, she was the one who initiated the other times.

"W-why did you join me?" Sumire seemed mortified as she covered herself with her arms.

Yuhi sighed. "Well, I had to take a bath too."

"You could wait."

"A waste of electricity."

Sumire shook her head. "Your rich; that won't work on me."

Geez, so stubborn. However, his gaze fell on the dark-colored bruises on her body. Even if they didn't succeed in experimenting, they must have beaten her. She is making fast progress recovering, but she shouldn't be out and about as much.

'I knew that but took her out anyway.' He needs to stop doing these stupid things that will only risk her health.

His thoughts broke off when Sumire turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I already told you, Yuhi-san, I am alright."

"That doesn't make it okay." Frustration seeped into his voice, but that vanished when he felt her warm petal-like lips on his.

"A bribe." He mumbled. "Those don't work on me."

"Mmm, I know Yuhi," She traced his face with her fingers. "I really am sorry. Just bare with me for a bit longer. I will tell you everything without fail."

"Alright."

He isn't happy with that response. Yuhi knew that whatever is holding her back will lead to doing something dangerous first. He ought to make some arrangements.

With the current situation regarding work, he cannot keep skipping out to spend time with her. The entertainment industry can get very ugly. His fans are starting to notice his absence.

It would be bad if they connect the dots and realize he skips out more since Sumire arrived. The media is already harassing her enough.

"Your still nervous?" He noticed her red cheeks as she was struggling to look at something other than his face. "It's not like you haven't seen this before."

"It's different when it's dark."

Yuhi paused at those words. If only she knew the dark made it better for him to see. He wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I'm not going to tease you. I just wanted to relax. We've both been stressed recently."

"This isn't relaxing; it's bad for the heart."

He chuckled at her words. 'Actually, she is right.' He is having a hard time containing himself when she is naked right in front of him.

"How long will you be hospitalized?" Yuhi swiftly changed the topic.

"Mm, at the very least till new year? I am getting better, but it's still hard to move around. They want to monitor my condition more. I don't think this part is necessary, but San keeps interfering."

'San' huh? She seems comfortable enough to use a nickname now. Are they that close? Yuhi recalled what the other two said and sighed. He should really step up his game.

What if she gets stolen?

Yuhi interlocked a strand of her hair in his fingers and kissed it. "Do you need anything?"

"Daily kisses."

He blinked, startled at her words, and she sighed. "It really isn't any good Yuhi-san. I can't sleep well when you aren't around me, so I bother San in his office. But he is too busy working, so I'm bored."

Bothers him in his office? For a moment, Yuhi focused on these words. Is that why they seem close now?

Jealousy is really a monster in disguise.

"I'll try to visit you."

'I can't tell her what's going on at work.' If she finds out people are putting pressure on him because of her, then she will surely do something careless. It's not something he can't resolve, but he just needs a bit of time.

"Try," Sumire repeated his words and sighed. "I suppose that will do."

"Sorry."

"Mmmm, I think I understand. But just remember Yuhi-san. I love you."

So she already knew, huh, that he was worried.

"Was it stupid to think that way?"

"Km, I thought you were smarter than that."

Yuhi leaned forward and placed a soft trail of kisses on her stomach.

"Nnn, Yuhi?"

"I think I have been too patient with you."

"Mmmm, I thought you would attack sooner."

Yuhi chuckled at her words. She knows him very well, huh? Honestly, this is a bit conflicting for him. She is very pretty. He can see better in the dark, but there is something different seeing her bare skin in the day like this.

"Yuhi?"

"Your very pretty today."

Sumire covers her mouth, and soft laughter escaped her lips. "I suppose so."

"If I did something to you, would you mind?"

"Aha, uh no but--" Sumire trailed off. "Didn't you make food for me? It will get cold if we stay here too long."

Indeed, it would be a waste. "Then I'll help finish things off. Have you washed your hair yet?"

Sumire shook her head, and he picked up a bottle of shampoo on the side.

"Say Yuhi."

"Yeah?" He was focusing on her hair.

"Are we really getting married after graduation?"

Yuhi paused for a moment before he continued. "Do you not want to?"

It never occurred to him that he may be moving a bit too fast. It's already a miracle they are dating. He thought the scar Mamoru left her would cause her not to date anyone ever again. That would have been fine, too; his feelings for her would never change regardless.

"I want to," Sumire mumbled. "I think I would be more reassured that way."

Yuhi immediately understood what she was talking about. In her own way, Sumire has held back for his sake. It is hard for them both to express their feelings and desire to stay with each other all the time. When he first brought up marriage, he thought it was just an excuse to keep her beside him, but his feelings have changed.

She must have had similar thoughts to him.

"Then let's discuss it properly after you get discharged."