A few hours later

Yuhi stood with a coffee in his hands as he read a book. Individuals called hanyous are humans with half-demon blood; either this came from their ancestors or infected. The latter has seldom happened, though.

Yuhi felt a pair of arms wrap around him, and his gaze softened. "I like the back hug."

"I know." Sumire trailed off. "I'm sorry for worrying you again, and I won't rush off. So let's work together."

"Mmm, good girl."

'Though her suddenly changing her mind despite her resolve seems odd.' Yuhi didn't want her to do things alone anymore.

"Yuhi-san, did you find anything in these books?"

"Nothing, I'm afraid. But there is still more to read."

He can't find any computer records. But he is not the type of person who would rely on technology for his investigations. That is why he is looking through books like this.

"After you eat, want to help?"

"What about you?"

"It's fine, and I will eat later."

'I can't possibly tell her regarding my cravings.' Yuhi kissed her forehead softly and squeezed her hands.

..

His thoughts broke off when he felt her lean her back against him. "What is on your mind?"

"Just a few things. Sano is involved?"

"Yeah." Yuhi trailed off. "Did you know—"

"A little. I could tell whenever he kissed me."

Yuhi frowned at those words. He has walked into those kissing episodes far too many times already. He hated the sight of her lip-locking with somebody other than him. The more he thought about it, the more disturbed he became.

"Oi."

Sumire laughed. "I wanted to tease you."

"Hah, please not on this matter." Yuhi sighed. "I understand that you feel nothing for him. But it rubs me the wrong way, knowing you have to get close to him."

Then again, he understood what she was trying to do. Turning Nagawa Sano into her obedient doll, others would see that as twisted. But Yuhi knew if it were him who went through what she did, he would do the same.

"Then does that mean you wish to get closer?"

In the next second, Sumire no longer sat back to back; she was directly in front of him and leaning forward. This time, what caught his attention was not her beautiful amethyst-colored eyes or pretty lips made for kissing but her scent.

Yuhi wondered why he did not notice it before, but it was the scent of blood. It isn't her blood, but this smell is all over her. Surely she didn't get hurt, and he would have se- Yuhi suddenly realized something.

If she isn't injured but smells like blood, then there is only one other option.

I wonder who she drank from. Was it a guy?

Yuhi felt her lips linger on his neck. He felt sick, and he didn't want her to drink from him after she drank from another.

But how could he stop her?

He caressed her hair and back with his hands as she drank. "Sumire," Yuhi mumbled. "How are your urges?"

Since she learned the truth, he thought he would have to deal with more violent outbursts, but she seldom has any. Yuhi found that to be very odd. How is it possible?

"..who have you been drinking from?" Yuhi didn't want to ask her this. But the more he thought about it, the more puzzled he became.

"Sano."

It was a single name, and yet Yuhi felt his emotions go out of control. He wanted to ask her why? Why would she go to him of all people? But he should know better than anybody. When he first got his bad cravings, he also didn't want to hurt her.

"Is his blood sweet?" Yuhi hesitated to ask.

Sumire didn't reply, and he felt his unease grow, but he felt her play with the hem of his clothes. "Sumire?"

"You want to get closer? It seems you are jealous."

Hah, he wants to laugh. This girl has no idea, does she? What he felt right now was not normal jealousy. It felt like somebody woke up the beast inside him. But at the same time, the beast remained shackled. His gaze fell on the girl who briefly pulled away from him. There was something about the sight of his blood on her lips that made his heartbeat frantically. What on earth is this?

Yuhi traced her lips. "Later."

"Later?"

He cant do this; she is driving him crazy. Yuhi pulled the girl off his lap and fixed his shirt up as he turned to the books again. What was he doing before she started to do this? He felt hot, bothered, and distracted. Yuhi tried to focus, but after a few seconds, he turned back to Sumire. She hadn't moved an inch and was staring at him with her beautiful eyes. Yuhi bent down and hugged her tightly.

"Quit it."

"Im not doing anything."

"No, you are—" Yuhi sighed deeply. "Nagawa is here in Star town? Hino said he left to go to his parent's place."

"Mm, but here in star town. Did you forget Yuhi? His hometown is here."

He actually did forget. So Nagawa came here, and Sumire met up with him first? Yuhi caressed the girl's cheeks before he stretched them.

"Ouch, ouch Yuhi-san?"

"You have had your fun. Don't drink his blood anymore."

"Then will Yuhi-san be responsible for me?"

"I proposed to you already, so isn't it clear?"

"If you're going to propose, shouldn't it be more romantic?"

What is she complaining about now? The two of them bickered about this for a while until the doors opened and Kiragi Asuka waltz in. She looked at the two of them and shook her head. "If you two want to behave like a stupid couple, do so another time."

Sumire laughed softly. "It is difficult to control him."

Hey, wait a second, she was the one who started this? But the way Sumire covered her mouth with her hands kept her gaze down and laughed. It looked like he was the one who did something. This crazy girl is so good at teasing him.

"I came here to talk about another unusual case. But before that, there is a festival going on tonight. You two should go."

Right, it was the thirty-first. Initially, he was going to take her somewhere, but all of that happened.

Sumire seemed bothered. "But you just said there was an unusual case."

"You can investigate better if you blend in the crowd during the festival." Asuka pointed out. "Besides, Yuhi has been cooped in here for two straight days. The guy needs some fresh air."

"I suppose." Sumire trailed off. "Then Yuhi-san, I will see you later this evening."

Yuhi blinked. "Huh? Why?"

"A girl has to get ready." Sumire winked. "You like yukatas right Yuhi? I will impress you."

Impress? Yuhi already knew she would tease him like crazy. But after the last two days, he wouldn't mind it. It is better to go out and have some fun to lighten the heavy burden in her heart.