I'll always be there for you

"So, what did you do?" Yuhi questioned.

Sumire sensed his threatening tone, and her face color turned pale. She didn't think Yuhi would hear about it, and even if he did, why would he question her? But it seems like she has underestimated how much he cared for her.

Sumire took another deep breath and explained the details vaguely at first. But Yuhi kept prying. She almost forgets that he was her partner for at least a year. Of course, he is more than familiar with her way of thinking.

"So let me get this right, you went crazy because you were testing someone you wanted to recruit."

"Uh pretty much."

'But, I shouldn't speak about Toh too much. It would be weird if he caught on. More importantly, I don't want him to find out what happened between Toh and me.'

She has difficulty lying in front of Yuhi, so if they remained on this topic any longer, it would become harder for her to conceal the truth.

"Are you crazy? No matter how much you want to gain skilled allies. You shouldn't expose yourself to so much risk. Thank goodness Momoi found you first. Suppose the police were the ones to storm in, even with Aki's protection. It would be difficult to escape that situation. You would have ended up in the police station and might have had to go through a trial. Or at least several months of jail time. Just thinking about it gives me a headache."

This is the first time Yuhi is yelling at her. Even back when they were partners who fought alongside one another, he never raised her voice. It feels a bit weird, and yet-

"I think I might like you yelling at me."

She knew he would find her strange after hearing those words, and yet she no longer wanted to hide her emotions.

"- first, she makes me worry like crazy, and now she confesses." Yuhi sighed deeply. "Listen here, Sumire, you already know my feelings for you. But even if I didn't love you, I would worry about you regardless. You are my friend, loved one, and most important partner. Don't ever forget that."

"I-I understand," Sumire said, startled.

It's true that they have already spoken about their feelings, but it still feels strange for her to hear him speak about it so casually. No, just hearing it is enough to make her heartbeat increase. If she is reacting this way when they speak on the phone, what will happen when they speak face to face?

"Honestly, you frustrate me. Isn't Mamoru your partner now? You should at least take him with you."

Just thinking of Ru made her feel incredibly guilty. If she can't tell Yuhi about Toh, then maybe she should mention Ru's confession. But even Ru told her that he never intended to confess.

"Sumire," Yuhi said sharply. "Seriously, don't do this again. When I saw the news being broadcasted live, I got a really bad feeling. However, normal people won't notice. But I could see the signs of a gunfight from the footage. Just thinking that you were in the middle of all of that, I almost abandoned everything to go to you."

"Ah, you can't!" Sumire panicked.

That is the one thing he can't do. He can't abandon his career for her. She would never forgive him for that.

"I already know. You clarified on my last visit what would happen if I did that. But you worried me sick. I know your marksmanship is good. However, you're still recovering from what happened in that school. You keep taking careless actions and obtaining new injuries before your old ones heal. You're never going to get better if you do that."

"I-I understand, Yuhi. Thank you for worrying about me." Sumire managed to get those words out.

Indeed, she must have gone crazy. Hearing him lecture her like this actually sounded pleasant.

"While I understand that you're indebted to Aki, do not forget what your dreams are. I know it's going to be difficult for you not to get involved when there is danger surrounding you, but please do not do it alone. While your partnership with Mamoru is abrupt, you should rely on him more."

"What about you, Yuhi? If-if I am troubled by something and need another opinion. Can I consult with you?"

"Of course, you can. I'll always be here for you. But I want you to treasure the people who are there for you now."

'But Yuhi, that's difficult. Every time I see them worry about me, I feel nothing but guilt. I feel like I do not deserve their kindness.'

Yuhi must have understood what she thought since he changed the topic. "What are you doing now? It's still early. I actually didn't think you would be awake."

"Ah, I was just jogging."

"Funny enough, I am doing that too."

"Really?"

Yuhi sends her a request for a video call at that moment, and Sumire quickly clicks the green accept button. The second Yuhi appeared on the screen. She almost dropped her phone. Why does this person look so good all the time?

"The scenery is good here. Hold on a second." Yuhi switches the focus of his camera, and Sumire sees a beautiful sunset with different shades of orange, purple, and pink too.

"You're right. It's so beautiful." Sumire nodded.

"What about you? Where are you running? I don't recognize the place."

"Ah, this is just a residential district-" Sumire immediately regretted her words and clamped her mouth shut with her free hand. Oh no, why did she say something like that for?

Yuhi isn't stupid, he knows where she lives, too, and this is definitely not her home area. She can't make up a lie saying she is staying over at a friend's place, either. Yuhi already knows where her female friends live.

A troubled look appeared on Yuhi's face, and it took him a moment before he spoke.

"Since we are not dating, it seems awkward to say this. But, Sumire, you're not doing anything like that, are you? I mean, I get it. We aren't in a relationship, so you're free to see whoever you want, but this feels weird to me."

Oh no, he is misunderstanding! She has to explain quickly.