This good place Sumire mentioned is a burger joint opened up in the nicer area of downtown. It seemed that it just opened recently, but since she has been hospitalized, she hasn't had a chance to go. He watched as she returned with their order and placed the tray on the table. He offered to go at first, but Sumire insisted that she wanted to treat him.

"Did you tell the others?" Sumire asked.

"They are on their way."

When they got inside, Sumire told him to invite the rest of his group members over. So much for a nice dinner date with her. Then again, this is as romantic as it can get in a place like this.

Sumire doesn't like fancy places; she always complains that food portions are too small. Or how they overdo the menu. Yuhi had many fond memories with her back when they were partners in the underworld organization holy knights. They would end up with unreasonably long missions and end up returning home in the morning.

During those times, the only places open to eat are fast-food chains like this one. He remembers the first time they went out to eat after a job, there was only one fast food joint opened, and it took them a long time to find it. Sumire could no longer walk anymore, so she sat outside, and he went inside to order.

It was a simple meal, but after that, it became a tradition. It didn't have to be a burger joint; it could be anything. But for him, it was one of the best moments of his life.

They always got along better than most people due to their shared interests. They never ran out of topics to talk about, but right at this moment, he didn't know what to say to her.

"You're not going to judge me, Yuhi-san?" Sumire suddenly spoke up.

"For?" He feigned ignorance despite understanding what she was about to say.

"You saw what happened tonight. I don't even have to do anything, and people automatically become hostile."

"What happened with the brother couldn't be helped, and the people from before, you can just ignore them."'

Those ones aren't worth mentioning at all.

Sumire laughed at his words. "What a simple answer."

"Do you dislike that?"

Sumire shook her head. "No, I think it is exactly like you."

That means she is okay with it, right? His thoughts broke off when he heard the sound of his phone.

[From Kou:

Calling us over at this unreasonable hour after skipping our practice, only you could be so bold, Yu-yu!

Anyhow, since you skipped already.

We all went off to do our own thing.

Tell Mimi that she can do anything she wants with you tonight.]

Yuhi sighed when he read the message. If only things could progress that far. Then again, it's not just her; he is equally to blame.

"Is something wrong, Yuhi?"

"The others can't come." Yuhi trailed off. "After this, I will drop you off at the hospital."

Sumire paused for a moment before she sighed. "Alright, it seems you really can't get my hint."

Huh? Yuhi blinked, startled at her words. What is she talking about? He wanted to question her some more, but she quickly changed the topic.

Well, he supposes he shouldn't bother her too much. Yuhi slid his fries across the table. "You can have these too."

"Thank you!"

…..

Life without Ibuki Sumire by his side consists of work and training. Two days go by in a blink of an eye, and for those past two days, he hasn't seen her at all.

The reason why he became so close to his group members, strange enough, is due to Sumire's absence. Yuhi doubted that they would have gotten this close. He wasn't the only one who missed her. To think they came together the way they did all because they missed Sumire.

Yuhi wipes his sweat away with a black towel, "All right, that should do for a warmup. "

For the past four hours, they had been practicing in an open stadium area. Here they would be holding a Christmas concert. It was a good thing that the date didn't clash with Sumire's; otherwise, he would have postponed it. He needs to be there for her just in case something happens.

Of course, it would be nice if nothing happened, but Yuhi isn't too sure. She can sing so carefreely, and yet the moment she stands on stage; it will remind her of the shackles of the industry.

"Not like it's any different this time, but isn't this too intense just for a warmup," Kou said.

"We even have a live concert right after." Ran added.

"Tetsuo always ends up like that after morning exercises," Jun said, pointing to the passed-out earl. It was rare for the sea-colored-haired man to show signs of weakness. But Yuhi heard before that he always had rather poor health.

"It's exactly because we've got work that we need to get pumped up now." Yuhi reminded them.

"We've got a tough schedule up until our leave date, and I contacted Mako, who told me a long list of events that were signed up for. Drama recordings, magazine interviews, outdoor live events. Our remaining work here is mainly new year's shows, conferences, and a few photoshoots." Ran listed.

Recently they have become a lot more popular. At first, there were many who hesitated about their group; there were those who disapproved. Although the other four are equally skilled, nobody else other than him is internationally famous.

"So it's work all the way till we leave, huh? I wish I could see Mimi," Kou whined.

"Work comes first. We need to continue developing our group's fame and reputation. There are heaps of things left to do. We don't have time for anything else now."

"Says the one who comes home to a pretty wife."

Hey, hey Ran, is that bitterness? Yuhi still felt awkward around Iwa Ran, and they would occasionally get into disputes. But after they worked together to get Sumire that time, things have been slightly better.

"That's not the point here," Yuhi argued.

Besides, doesn't Ran remember how Sumire has been staying in the hospital? He has hardly had any time to see her. Two whole days have passed since he last saw the girl, and Yuhi wanted to see her so badly. Unfortunately, he has not had the time with the sudden rise in popularity.

"Besides, love isn't something you do; it's something you fall into. " Tetsuo spoke up. "It is something that happens naturally."

"Just thinking of her smile or voice makes your heart race. Nothing can replace these feelings." Kou joined in and nodded.

"I haven't got a clue what you're talking about." Yuhi feigned ignorance.

Okay, he does. He understands it. At least when he applies it to Sumire. He can't see himself applying that logic to anyone else but her. But he can't admit that to these guys. No matter how well they get along with one another now. It does not change the fact that these guys like Sumire.