Makoto Family Mansion -

Since that day, Sumire has stopped visiting Yuhi in the hospital.

She didn't understand why she stopped. But now that she has, it would be far too sly for her to return and say she misses him.

Besides, her gaze fell on the man sat on the chair opposite her. A man with pale blonde hair and blue eyes. Despite his Japanese name, he has English blood, which explains his fair skin, hair, and eyes. He was engaged in doing paperwork. This man sat across from her is none other than her fiance Makoto Soujiro. Contrary to her words about not seeing him, here she is.

She still found this entire thing mysterious despite spending the past few days with him. Was it indeed a coincidence that he happened to be there then? After she left the hospital that day and decided not to meet with Yuhi for awhile. Sano ambushed her in a place near Yuhi's apartment.

Unfortunately, that day she felt very drained and did not have much strength. It was the perfect day for Sano to attack her.

That day…

...….

A few days ago

Ah, it seems like she genuinely can't find happiness.

What was she thinking saying such things to Yuhi and rushing of?

Her eyes widened when she saw the person that stood before her. A man with long blonde hair and those blue eyes. She has not met a person in so long, yet she has not forgotten his voice even once. "Soujiro?"

"Quite some time has passed since I last saw you. It seems you still have this bad habit of getting caught up with weird people."

"Ah." Sano nodded. "I know who you are. Her fiance, right?"

"Indeed, if you knew, I wonder what gave you the courage to do this."

"Pardon me, but I thought your engagement was annulled?"

Soujiro sighed. "People spread such strange things these days. I only found out she was alive recently. So when did I get the chance to annual the engagement?"

Sumire stared at him blankly. Just recently, he says? Did he not say on the phone that a year has passed already. This guy seems to be a better liar than her.

Sano paused. "I see, but I am sure you are aware that girl has seen other men in your absence."

"Indeed." Soujiro looked towards her before he wrapped his cloak around her shoulders. "But that is between us. I do not think it is in your place to comment. My dear," Soujiro turned to her. "You shall return with me."

It was not a request, nor was it a command. But Sumire noticed the authority and the worried look on his face. Is he concerned that Sano would not give up?

"It seems I will have to surrender for today. Have a good evening Sumire."

...….

Current day

Sumire thought he would return the next day to bother her at school, but he did not. It surprised her in more ways than one. She was jittery and frightened for a while. But when Sumire realized that Sano was not coming back, she relaxed.

"How did you get Sano to stop harassing me?"

Soujiro sighed. "It isn't difficult dealing with a man like that."

A man like that, he says… Then again, Soujiro does have a lot of power. He most-likely made some kind of deal with Sano. After Soujiro saved her, he suggested that she stayed with him until Yuhi returned from the hospital. Indeed, with Soujiros protection. Sano has stopped appearing at the school.

"Is my presence bothering you?" Sumire asked.

"No."

She did not come here willingly; it was more like she was dragged. After she decided not to meet with Yuhi for awhile, Sano started to harass her. Sumire stood up and put her book down, she slipped her cardigan on and cap.

"Where are you going?"

Seeing the overprotective look in his eyes, Sumire laughed. "Relax, Im, just going to take a quick stroll. I will be back within an hour."

"I will send somebody to accompany you."

Sumire shook her head. "I don't want to stand out."

.....

She doesn't want to stand out, but does she not stand out more now wandering around lost? Sumire trusted her memory and didn't think she could get lost, but her gaze fell on her surroundings. Why does nothing look familiar to her? Gahhh! She tried asking anybody passing by, but according to them, no such mansion exists.

After asking a few times, Sumire understood why. Soujiro kept that place a secret. Now that she thought about it, they were no neighbors, and the area was quite secluded. A deep sigh crossed her lips; it seemed like she has no choice.

Sumire scanned the area and decided to turn left. But that was a bad choice. After walking for a few minutes, she hears the sound of something familiar, and she sighed. Why do people feel the need to do such things in public? Sumire will never understand that behavior.

Should she wait until they are done or go another way? Sumire debated for a bit and waited for a few minutes. Just as she turned to leave, somebody called her name.

"Isn't this Sumire?"

Sumire sighed when she heard that voice. What is with her bad luck lately? Why does this keep happening to her? She turned around and confirmed her thoughts. The person that came out of the bushes was Nagawa Sano, her ex who was stalking her until recently.

Despite how well he tried to hide it. Sumire could tell what just happened behind those bushes. It seems like this man has not changed at all.

"Isn't this a good coincidence?"

Sumire sighed. "No."

"It seems like your returning to your foul mouth self around me. I thought we were starting to get along again?"

Her gaze dimmed at his words. As she thought, that so-called apology of his before was just for show. Then again, did she not expect this from him? From the very moment he apologized, Sumire realized that there was something wrong. Despite what it looked like, she did not believe his apology even one bit.

"Now, the silent treatment.." Sano trailed off. "It is a good coincidence for me since I was in the area so I could meet with you. I was wondering if we could talk."

After she coldly said no, why is he still talking? Sumire could not miss the gentle look in his eyes and kind tone. But after what she just witnessed a few minutes ago, Sumire did not believe him. This man acts like a Prince charming in front of other people, but she knew his true colors.

If it were the past her, then she would have naively fallen for this act of his, but everything is different now. She won't fall for his games anymore.