Chapter 22 - Like An Equation Part 3
For the next two days, he hears many amazing stories regarding the girl. One of them was her brute strength. Though Sumire most likely had no intention of showing everybody. But it seems like more girls are calling out to her. After such repeated visits, naturally, she could no longer hold back. Shin marched down the halls; he was on his way to see her.
He heard that Sumire spent a lot of time in Yuhi's studio. Due to his exceptional grades and talent, the school set aside a space for Yuhi. A small building at the back of the art building. It did not take him long before he reached the place. The door was slightly open, so Shin peeked inside. Sumire and Yuhi sat side by side in front of an easel; they seemed to discuss the painting. Considering how Sumire was the one holding the brush, Shin assumed it was her painting.
"Sum-" his sentence fell short when something unexpected happened. The two were discussing the painting, so Shin did not expect the next part. Yuhi covered his mouth with Sumire's in just seconds.
His eyes widened when he saw this scene. What on earth is going on here? Why is Yuhi kissing her?
For a moment, Shin could only stand by the door and awkwardly watch. He knew he should have looked away. But his brain was still trying to process the current situation.
"I think you're getting used to me kissing you," Yuhi mumbled against the girl's lips.
Shin, however, noticed something amiss. The girl's gaze seemed lifeless. Yuhi traced his thumb there. "Did it hurt?"
"I'm..okay," Sumire mumbled. "Yuhi, I'm thirsty. I will get us some drinks."
Yuhi nodded. "Alright."
Shin stepped aside, but it was far too late. Sumire saw him; she did not say a word. But Shin could not miss the expression on her face before he could say a word she already disappeared behind the double doors. Shin sighed and awkwardly entered the room.
The moment he entered, he saw a room filled with paintings, sculptures, and large pieces. Paintbrushes scattered everywhere, alongside different types and shades of paper. It was a breathtaking sight. This was the first time Shin came here.
Yuhi glanced over at him and sighed. "Did you need something?"
"Not from you, but from the girl who just left the room." Shin looked away. "What were you doing? You two aren't --"
"Yeah, I know. But when we were painting together just now, she looked very sad again. It probably wasn't the wisest choice on my part. But I don't know what else I can do when she looks like that." Yuhi ran his hand through his hair. "This is difficult for me too. I want Sumire to learn to love again. I want to show her that this world can be beautiful even without Tsueno Mamoru. But as it currently stands, just getting her to smile is difficult."
Difficult? Shin raised his eyebrows at that comment. He recalled Sumire's expression three days back. Is Yuhi stupid? A hard time making her smile? Sure other people could say that, but Yuhi? Sumire only smiles around him. This big dofus, Shin, wanted to lecture him. But he knew it was not his place to do so.
"She will come back, right?" Shin swiftly changed the topic.
"Yeah."
"I will wait then."
"Since you are here, anyway. I will ask you this, do you like Sumire?" Yuhi asked.
"Huh?"
Yuhi lit his cigarette, and ash's smoke appeared in the air. "I mean, your expression gave it away then."
"It did?"
"Well, whatever it is, just don't get in my way."
Shin didn't reply to that, or rather he felt beads of sweat appear on his face. Yuhi has been on his best behavior lately. So this caught him off guard a little.
When he first met Terashima Yuhi, to be exact when he first saw him with Ibuki Sumire. Perhaps a part of him knew already that he lost. It was different. Different than when she was Atsuro, completely different. It was the first time he saw her gaze sparkle that for another person. Her eyes filled with not only affection but something much more.
Terashima Yuhi was an odd guy; he surpassed the definition of odd. Although his impression towards the man varied, there is one word that he can use to describe him. That word is 'free.'
Someone who lived such a harsh life should not even be close to that word. Yet in his and Sumire's eyes, he was always free. Someone who would fly off into the distance sky if given that chance.
"I won't do that to you," Shin mumbled.
"Hmm?" Yuhi seemed surprised by his reply.
"Ibuki is yours. I always knew she liked you, but she kept it from you. Those feelings of admiration she has towards you were love. But I don't think she realized it." Shin trailed off. "Even now, she doesn't understand."
"Can you say that for sure? Look what Mamoru's death did to her. Don't even mention her liking me right now." Yuhi said bitterly. "The reason why Im telling you to stay away from her is because I know you can't handle it."
"Handle it?"
"That girl is very lonely; only those who have experienced the same pain or gone through hardships will understand her." Yuhi scanned him up and down. "Unfortunately, your hardship is nothing in contrast to others."
Shin felt his cheeks burn up in shame. This is humiliating, does Yuhi have to be so cruel? Shin already knew the answer. He was grateful when Sumire chose that moment to reappear. She came back with a bag in her hands. She looked between them and sighed. She did not say a word and walked to the other side of the room. He watched as Yuhi quickly went over.
Yuhi pulled her into his arms. "Are you still angry?"
"No." Sumire shook her head. "I'm sorry, Yuhi. I know you mean well, I do know that. I'm the weird one."
'I should leave.' Shin thought. 'If I stay here, he might end up getting jealous.' Shichiro stood up and walked towards the other door. He informed the two that he was going, but they didn't notice him. He quickly walked out of the building. Shin glanced back, though, and saw Yuhi cup Sumire's cheeks. He was wiping her tears away and mumbling 'sorry' repeatedly.
It seems like something will happen between these two. If it's like this, then he shouldn't intervene. He understands that. Sumire and Yuhi need one another. Before Sumire came to Tokyo, Yuhi was very unstable.
He was cold-hearted and seldom came to class. Sure he skipped when she came here. But he didn't skip for the usual reason. He didn't skip to get away from others, but to help Sumire.
Shin learned that Yuhi was the one who encouraged Sumire to attend class too. It would be wrong of him to intervene when they have a good influence on each other. The only problem is the mission his leader gave him. By leader, he is referring to the center of his male idol group Emma.
The man called Kusaji Atsuro. Right now his friend is abroad, but in two-three months, he will come here. When that happens, whatever peace between Yuhi and Sumire will disappear. His friend told him that if Sumire came to Tokyo, he had to report it.