"She already likes Hino a lot." Yuhi paused. "I did want to forget. But I remember something Sumire said. She said that she didn't want to forget, even if it was a painful memory. She would want to everything, including her emotions at the time."
Atushi sighed and yet nodded. "That does sound like her."
"I thought if I forgot about it, then everything would be fine. But Sumire showed me how narrow-minded I was. After talking to her, the past I couldn't talk about became something I could talk about. The things I hid and wanted to run away from. I confronted it all."
This is why he is okay with her leaving with her Hino now. Even though a part of him is still jealous, Sumire has helped him confront his past fears and insecurities.
"After falling in love with her, the past I didn't want to remember became something I'd like to remember once in a while." He trailed off. "Well, I still feel uncomfortable about her discovering exactly what I was desperately hiding. But, I feel like even if that time came, I would be able to explain it to her calmly."
"So, with that, do you think you can forgive Iwa?"
At those words, Yuhi exhaled deeply. If Atushi saw Jun, it's only natural that he learned what happened.
Yuhi wanted to say no but swallowed those words recalling what he had just said. He doesn't know if Sumire forgave Ran, but she isn't running away from that memory. Sumire still speaks to Ran normally. She is confronting her past.
Yuhi messages Takeyama that he will be there for the concert at night.
....
He ended up barely making it.
But only because Kakeru returned and made a fuss about him not eating properly and drinking too much.
'I only had a few bottles. Those drinks didn't have much alcohol.' Typical Atushi, he really is a mother hen.
Yuhi's gaze fell towards the approaching footsteps to see a shocked Iwa Ran standing there. It seemed like he didn't think he would show.
Neither did he but after that conversation with Atushi. Yuhi figured that he would give Ran another chance.
Yuhi extended his fist out, and Ran blinked but nodded.
"Tell me through the song." Was all Yuhi said as he stepped onto the stage with Ran following? The other three were already in position.
He takes a deep breath.
-M5: CINBENTSU-
[Yuhi ] Sunrise... standing by the window, you're a work of art
If I touch you, you'll turn into a thousand tears
Sunset... as if to melt the icy moon
a lonely Venus holding out a lighter in the darkness
What you're in is a jail of sorrow
that no one can save you from but
[Ran] Trembling cherry,
I'll kiss you softly and let you fall asleep
Your breath swirling through the night is a fairy dance
Beloved cherry, you'll be shaken off this revolving planet
[ Kou] But if I can protect your dreams...
I can catch you
Midnight... this carnival that calls back memories
The drops of water on your hair are like fairy stones
[Kou/ Ran] Beloved cherry,
because your naked heart showed me a weakness
too beautiful and dazzling.
[Jun/Tetsuo ] I had to close my eyes
[ Yuhi] Even if our fate
for letting a fire loose in heaven
is to burn and turn to ash
.....
From: Sumire
My dear! You were so handsome! Call me now.
Yuhi blinked and then chuckled. He could already imagine her watching the TV starry-eyed and staring at his unmentionable parts. That girl always says she likes his face more, but when they are together, she always looks elsewhere.
He calls her, and she immediately picks up.
"My dear!" Sumire said happily.
"Hey, my love, life, and soul."
Sumire laughed. "Um, overboard."
"Isn't it true?"
"If you say so, Yuhi." Sumire trailed off. "I just called because I wanted to congratulate you."
"On?"
"Your show. That was the first time I saw true harmony between the five of you. Did something happen?"
Yuhi paused but decided to tell Sumire everything. From his learning the truth to getting angry at Ran.
Sumire was quiet for a moment before she nodded. "Mm, that did happen."
"Don't talk about it like it's nothing," Yuhi said, upset.
While he sorted things with Ran and performed, it still upset him knowing that she had to go through that.
Sumire laughed. "My dear, your are even more upset than I was."
"Sumire," Yuhi said sharply. "Don't lie to me. I know you were afraid."
"I was," Sumire admitted. "But, I also understood."
At those words, Yuhi sighed. "I really want to know what goes on in your pretty head."
"Uh, isn't it obvious?"
Yuhi raised his eyebrow, and Sumire giggled. "I'm always thinking of you."
A smiling Sumire is equally as dangerous as a blushing one.
Yuhi knew he was blushing.
To think a simple smile has this much of an effect on him. She really is the one in control.
Sumire looked at him curiously and broke the silence as she held up a book. "I've been reading a bit about the dream space. I think I can do it. Just give me a few more days."
His gaze softened at her eager tone. "Do you miss me that much?"
"Um, actually, I am more worried about your hormones. I feel like if I don't learn to do this. You may end up preying on some innocent girl."
Yuhi's eyes twitched, annoyed. "Hey, I thought you trusted me."
"I trust you but know you can't control your hormones." Sumire giggled. "Yuhi, I'm kidding. It's really because I miss you like crazy, and I can't control my own hormones."
Yuhi blinked and then laughed. "Well, Sumire, I hope you learn fast. I can't wait to see you again."