Uh, how did it end up like this? Yuhi was about to say something when they heard the sound of a couple arguing up ahead. It seemed like they weren't the only ones out on a stroll. Yuhi was about to grab Sumire so they could use another path, but she suddenly went.

"It's San."

​​

Yuhi looked in the direction of the voices to confirm Nagawa was there. But he wasn't alone, and a familiar redhead woman was with him. That's the fiance. Are they arguing?

This is none of their business; he was about to suggest they leave when he hears their conversation.

"I told you already not to get involved when Sumire is concerned."

"Even if you don't love me, the least you can do is treat me with respect? But why do you want to bring another woman to the event."

"It won't be safe there. Sumire might get hurt."

"I understand your concern. But won't she face danger regardless? Moreover, that person has been very angry with you recently, isn't there a higher chance of you being in danger?"

He immediately understood and sighed. Right, Sumire mentioned that she would go with Sano instead of Soujiro to that gathering. At first, it bothered him since it meant Sano and Sumire would appear somewhere together in front of the general public. But that seed of concern vanished already.

To think talking with her would resolve all the internal battles he has faced in his heart since he heard about Nagawa.

"Sumire do you the-" Yuhi suddenly hears a large yelp and noticed the items not too far from Sumires feet.

Yuhi frowned when he saw the scattered litter. 'This is a bit careless and unusual. Nagawa general hospital is usually very strict about keeping things clean since it could worsen injuries.'

"Did you hurt yourself?" Yuhi asked, concerned.

"Uh, I just tripped. I'm alright."

This didn't go unnoticed by Sano, who hurriedly rushed over. He immediately bent down and rolled up Sumire's hospital gown like it was that simple.

Hey, hey, the boyfriend is right here, and yet- Yuhi shook his head. There is no use complaining. Besides, he saw that brief look of disgust before Sano kneeled. It seems like he will never see eye to eye with this guy.

Sano frowned. "Sit."

"You're exaggerating, Miss Penelope is here, and you're in the middle of a discussion."

Sano seemed unsatisfied with her response. "I care more about you."

Sumire stared at him speechless, and so did he.

'What honest sounding words.' Yuhi had to admit that he was impressed. For a player like Nagawa Sano, such words should come naturally anyway. He already heard the way this man spoke to other women. But there was something different about it now.

Yuhi observed the man. Nagawa's eyes were only on Sumire; he wasn't looking at anybody else.

"Then I'll take Miss Penelope home."

Sumire seemed startled with those words and pouted. "But our walk."

He walked over and whispered something in her ear. "Calm him down first."

It seemed Sumire understood since she agreed. Yuhi walked away with the redhead woman. At first, nobody spoke, but eventually, he heard her voice.

"Are you stupid or something, Terashima-san?"

Yuhi's sweat fell when he heard those words. "Are you going to call me crazy too?"

Penelope nodded. "With that guy's current mood, he will do something cruel to Ibuki-san."

Right he figured that out when he saw the dark look in Nagawa's eyes, but still, Yuhi also understood something.

"I think right now, the only one who can stop that guy from going on a rampage is Sumire."

"Are you not worried that they may get back together?"Penelope asked. "Pardon me for asking, but with the way they spend time together, it wouldn't surprise me."

"I was worried."

"Past tense?"

"I asked Sumire directly just earlier today how she felt regarding Nagawa, and I heard what I had to know. If it is like what she is saying, then there is no need for me to worry."

Despite his vague terms, Penelope nodded. "I see, then Sano doesn't stand a chance?"

Yuhi sensed her disappointment and asked. "Shouldn't you be happy about this? I can tell that you genuinely like him."

"That is true, but even I understand that he has never liked me that way. From the very start, he has only ever had one girl in his heart. Even when the engagement talks became more serious, I didn't step out of line. That guy already has somebody he loves and treasures, so no matter what I do, I won't stand a chance."

So this is why Nagawa could still fool around with other women. Normally those informal engagements would no better than to do such things, more so business ones. They fear losing the support of the other person.

"I only want happiness for the person I love, even if it means sacrificing my feelings in the process."

"I think I understand that."

When he heard Sumire was dating Mamoru, Yuhi decided to take a step back. He genuinely thought that Mamoru was the one that Sumire has always liked and that she only had a crush on him.

It didn't take long before they reached the gate, and Yuhi saw the car parked in front.

"This is far enough."

"Yeah."

"Terashima-san, please don't let pointless rumors cloud your judgment. From now on, there will be many trying to separate you two, but as long as you trust each other, I believe you will overcome any hurdle."

Yuhi didn't get a chance to say anything since she quickly went inside the car, which immediately drove off. His gaze fell on the sky as he thought about her words. 'That must have been a warning.' Yuhi knew the girl's grandmother was among those trying to ruin Sumire. It seems that the old lady will do anything to make Sumire miserable.

The thing holding Sumire up right now is their relationship, so it is only natural to target it. But he still found it unusual.

Perhaps Miss Penelope's family is also in league with those people. If that is the case, that makes more sense. If those people didn't have a strong backing, then surely they wouldn't act so brave.

Yuhi took out his phone.

Come to bar Akagumi.

It is to do with Sumire.

It was a short message, but he sent it to Asuka. Even though Asuka is with the government organization Hyou4, he knew that the girl prioritized Sumire first.

From: Asuka

I am already here.

It seems like she must have caught on too. Yuhis gaze fell towards the dark skies. It will be a long sleepless night discussing the situation with Asuka and Atushi. But at least they will have more information. It will lessen the burden Sumire has to carry.