Sanity

After walking for a few minutes, they arrived in front of the large oak tree on top of the large hill.

The moment they got there, she slumped to the ground and crouched down. "What was that for?" Sumire held her tone back.

She wanted to snap and get mad like usual, but she did not have the energy to do so.

"Hmm? I was just trying to ease the tension between you two."

"You made it worse. I didn't need to-"

"-hear him say it again? That was quite the confession."

At those words, Sumire glared at him. "Eavesdropping has always been a bad habit of yours. But if you knew, why did you have to edge him on like that?"

"I dislike it when Dai is being wish-washy like that. It's fine for you to feel troubled, but why is he behaving that way after he already told you how he feels?"

"I don't blame him, so you don't have to get angry for my sake."

After all, she can relate to him. It may have seemed like an abrupt confession, but it she could tell. It must have been difficult for him to confess. How long has he surpassed his feelings for her? She can relate because it's the same for her.

'Holding back your feelings in front of the person you love is difficult.'

It was one of the main reasons why she took such great lengths to avoid Yuhi when he first came. Even before he appeared before her voluntarily, she already understood her own feelings.

"I see, so lady, what is this important thing you wished to discuss?"

"Well-" Sumire paused. How on earth does she say this? If what Asahi said is true, then perhaps this person also likes her. It would be cruel if she mentioned it to him. But she is running out of options, and she needs to discuss this with somebody immediately.

It took her a few extra minutes, but she eventually mentioned everything that happened last night. The expression on Masaru's face remained the same, yet something seemed different about it.

"I see, and did you catch his full name?"

"Um, what do you need it for?"

"Of course, it's so we could have a nice conversation."

A nice conversation? If looks could kill, somebody would be dead by now. That smile on his face is dangerous!

"Masaru-senpai, you can't hurt him!"

After all that person, she recalled his serious expression when he was working on his designs. That person is the same type as her. If Masaru-senpai finds him and starts a fight, it would cause problems.

"Now, I am even more interested for you to defend him to this extent. What sort of brainwashing did he do?"

"I didn't discuss this with you for you to behave this way."

"I know." Masaru trailed off. "Let's see for now. Do you plan to see him again?"

"I don't think I should."

"But you had fun talking to him, correct?"

Sumire nodded. "I did, and it seems like I let my guard down a little."

"The best way to heal a wounded heart is a new relationship. Maybe you should try again?"

"That-"

"Or you could accept Dai's feelings. He isn't a bad guy, and you respect him a lot as a singer."

It doesn't seem right for her to accept his feelings for such a selfish reason.

"Then that leaves option three." Masaru took out a slip of paper from his pocket and placed it in front of her. "Yu-Yu's new number."

"Masaru-senpai you-"

"Here." Masaru suddenly passed her a CD.

"Ah--?" Her eyes widened when she saw Yuhi's face on the cover.

"You wanted to go yesterday, right? I went for you."

Oh, that's right, Yuhi had an event here in Star town yesterday.

"He said he will be waiting for you at-"

Sumire frantically shook her head and stopped Masaru from finishing his sentence.

"I'm not going to meet him."

"Lady."

"No, I won't!" Sumire exclaimed.

"Lady, just listen. Just hear him out. He really wants to see you."

'I want to meet him too. I miss him so much.' But she can't. She can't see him until she debuts until she is worthy enough to stand by his side. If it takes too long, Yuhi might just get tired and move on if he hasn't already. No, even now, his songs are clearly for her.

She has to hurry and debut. With her current bad reputation, it would be bad if others heard she is associated with Yuhi. It is a good thing she did not accept his confession.

"Alright, alright, I get it. Don't cry, lady. It's fine.

"Will he dislike me?"

"He won't; he likes you a lot." Masaru trailed off. "I understand that you are not ready for a new relationship yet. I think Dai understands that too, even though he confessed he does not expect you to answer."

"Ha, then I wish he didn't tell me. I don't know how to behave around him."

"You've never seen him that way? I used to think you might like him back in middle school."

"I respect him as a singer; his songs are wonderful. They have saved me before. But those emotions are not romantic."

"I see; for now, that's enough."

Her feelings for Ichinose Daiki are far different from those for Terashima Yuhi. The feelings for the later

Her thoughts break off when she hears the sound of a trigger.

Sumire sighed when she saw a gun in Masaru's hands. This person is truly eccentric. It is hard to predict his behavior.

"You should not be bringing something that dangerous onto school grounds." Sumire brought it up despite knowing what he would already say.

Masaru chuckled. "I could say the same for you, or rather lady, you still haven't noticed?"

"I know; it's my gun."

"Bingo, how smart."

She doesn't even want to know when he took that from her. "I went on a job with Asahi yesterday. It is no big deal."

At those words, Masaru sighed. "Lady, I do not think you realize your current situation. You are an idol on the verge of debuting in the largest entertainment industry in Japan and a normal high school girl. Should you not rethink your actions?"

"You're asking me to quit." Sumire immediately understood the meaning behind his words.

"Yes, it is for your own good. I cannot even imagine the horrors if the media were to catch hold of it."

"It's not like I never thought about it."

Because she did countless times in the last few years, even more so after the promise she made with Yuhi. 'the next time we meet, it will be normal people.' As normal people under the blue skies, perhaps then she will be able to confess her feelings.

However, after experiencing many violent crimes over the last few years. "If I want a peaceful life, I have to end the darkness with my own hands."

Yes, just like the first time she killed somebody. That moment will remain in her memory whenever she picks up a gun or any weapon.

Masaru looked at her with a troubled expression. "You have so many people by your side now. You do not need to take on the burden by yourself. Look, Aki isn't sane in mind either. He won't tell you that he was wrong to accept your crazy offer all these years."

"Is anybody sane in this world? What would you classify as a sane person?"

"Lady," Masaru said sharply. "I think you should meet up with Yuhi. I am sure he does not want you to do this anymore-"

"No." She harshly interjected as she stood up. "I have already decided."

Even if she has to stain her hands with blood repeatedly, this is the only way to rid the world of darkness.

Yuhi, she is sorry. But she won't be able to keep the promise, at least for now. For now, she cannot discard her status in the underworld.