Chapter 187 - The Right To Express Themselves
There was a brief moment of silence. For the next few minutes, Sumire felt tense. Was it a bad idea to say that?
Yuhi never told her specifically that she was the one he was waiting for this entire time, maybe she misunderstood? But she understood from his words and actions alone. This person has always thought of her.
"Hey Yuhi, I have an idea."
..
"Drawing on the old school building walls, you sure are bold," Yuhi commented as he placed the last bucket of paint down. He took a seat on the stool beside her.
Yes, this was her idea to paint on the walls of the old school building. Now that Touko woman is back, Sumire understood that many people would doubt her place by Yuhis side. The only thing she can do to bypass that is to paint with Yuhi again, to work on another piece.
Sumire tilted her head confused. "It's old, and nobody comes here anyway."
"It is still part of the school grounds."
She laughed softly. "I wonder how long it will take before somebody realizes. Besides," Sumire picked up the brush. "Were you not the one who said that every artist has the right to express themselves?"
"Why do you remember something I said such a long time ago?"
"Well that's because I like you, of course, I will remember."
At that comment, Yuhi looked down. His sudden silence made her curious, so she glanced over at him. Her eyes widened when she saw him blushing. Sumire grabbed hold of his shirt. "Are you embarrassed because I said I like you?"
"Like hell."
"That isn't it?"
Yuhi sighed deeply and flicked her forehead again. "Quit being so cheeky; you already know how I feel about you."
"Do I?"
"Damn you.."
"Besides, why are you hesitating? Arent you the genius painter Terashima Yuhi? I don't remember accepting the confession of such a boring guy."
His eyes twitched, annoyed, and Yuhi pinched her cheeks. "Brat, your talking like this even though your--" Yuhi paused when he looked over at the small part of the building she already painted. "I can't even call you a normal person, damn."
Sumire laughed at his reaction. "Do I have your approval, Mr genius?"
"Of course you do." Yuhi trailed off. "I know your doing this to prove a point. But I find this exciting."
"The thrill and danger of getting caught?"
Yuhi shook his head. "More like painting with you is exciting."
Sumire saw the bright look in his eyes, and her gaze softened. It seems like he defeated her once again. She wonders if Yuhi understands. Only a short time has passed since she came to Tokyo, but he already made her experience so many happy and joyful things.
No matter what dangerous things happen from now on, at least she has experienced happiness beforehand.
She glanced over at Yuhi, who was painting away. There was something different about him right now. She rested her head on his shoulders, and Yuhi paused. "Should we go back inside? You must be tired."
"No, I just want to flirt with you. Do you not like it?"
At that comment, Yuhi chuckled. "Why would I hate it?" He trailed off. "I am sorry for making you uneasy even if it was only for a moment. I don't want you to end up with some sort of inferiority complex to Touko."
"Yuhi, you know that girl doesn't bother me. I mean, I told you before, it is easy for me to deal with my rivals. But my main concern is you getting hurt for my sake again, and you get dragged into my mess."
"Like I told you before, I already got myself involved in something bad." Yuhi cupped her cheeks and brushed their forehead together. "I love you too much. You don't have to think of anything bad, you have me, and I will never leave you."
Sumire laughed softly. "Your amazing Yuhi-san, you know what to say to calm me down." She trailed off. "Then there is something I want your help with. You see, I don't have any memories from before I was seven years old. It seemed like I got caught up in some kind of major human trafficking case."
This was the reason why her parents treated her awkwardly. They blamed themselves for what happened and didn't know what to do.
"You want me to help you find the truth?"
She nodded. "But its more of a support role. I want you to support me just in case I have a mental break down or something. There must be a reason why I cant remember. Something traumatizing must have happened that led to me sealing away the truth." Sumire trailed off. "The reason is, I am looking for someone. Back then, there was somebody with me."
At first, she thought it might have been Ru, but he told her it wasn't when she asked him about it. The hand she held that day, that small and yet large hand. "I only have vague recollections of the time. Most people would want to burry away such an accident."
But the badge she saw that day on Rus accident remained in her head. When Sano allowed her to look at it properly, Sumire confirmed the suspicious thoughts she had in her head the entire time.
It's the same - it's the same as the vague fragment she recalled that day.
Yuhi grabbed hold of her hands. "Anyhow, are we painting this thing or not?"
Sumire laughed softly. The unease she felt from moments ago vanished immediately. "How do we paint like this?"
His gaze softened, and he kissed her forehead lightly. "Follow my movement."
"Okay--" Sumire paused when she noticed something. He was trembling. She bit her lip when she realized that. This person isn't any better than her; he is just as weak at times. But no matter how weak they both are neither show weakness.
It must be suffocating for him too.
She wants to tell Yuhi that it was okay and that he wasn't alone either. But something prevented her. In the back of her mind, a voice told her not to; if she were to say it, then something bad would happen.