Strange coincidence

"I know this may seem strange to you. But I truly think it's for the better. Nobody wants to see her mope around and give up on love."

"I understand, but it is too soon."

Mamoru laughed. "Yeah, however, the other guy seems to feel the same way. He knew that Ki was dating somebody else not too long ago, but he still insisted and wanted to be with her. I have to say he did a good job winning her over."

Atushi recalled the tender expression on the face of the guy she saw with Sumire. Indeed, even he could tell that the guy genuinely liked her. However-

"Isn't there somebody else Sumire likes?"

It was something he only found out after he transferred. There were rumors abroad about Sumire liking another guy.

"Right, uh. Do you know the famous singer Terashima Yuhi?"

At those words, Atushi felt his face colour turn pale. Huh? Hold on. It's Yuhi? The one Sumire has always liked is Yuhi. He recalled the text message he briefly saw in middle school. Was that Yuhi?

"Hamano-san?" Mamoru said, puzzled.

Atushi stood up. "Sorry, there is something I have to do."

He didn't waste a moment before dashing off. Once in a quieter area, he took out his phone and dialed a number. After a few minutes, he receives a call.

"What's this about Sumire?"

"I didn't know you two knew each other!" Atushi exclaimed.

He hears Yuhi sigh on the other end. "You really are slow. I told you already that I wanted to visit my hometown and see the girl I like, didn't I?"

"Yes, you said that, but-" Atushi trailed off, realizing something. "Wait, she is the one you like?"

"Well yeah."

Then, why aren't they dating if they like each other? Atushi met Yuhi at the end of elementary school before he moved to star town. Yuhi must have come to star town after he left; otherwise, he wouldn't have missed seeing the two together. They kept in touch even during his first year in middle school, and he often spoke to Yuhi about Sumire.

How many times did he consult with Yuhi?

"So, is Sumire the girl you like? The one you told me about in your messages."

"Hold on. This is too weird."

"Not really. That girl is quite popular. It's normal for people to fall for her." Yuhi said casually.

Normal, he says- Atushi sighed deeply. "Why aren't you two together? Why is she dating someone else?"

"Is it Mamoru? The one she is dating? I figured she was going out with someone else since she suddenly gave me the silent treatment even after I sang for her again."

"No, uh." Atushi trailed off. "It's a different guy. He looked like a college student."

"I see."

Atushi felt terrified at that response. One-word responses from Yuhi are the scariest.

"Uh, if you'd like, I can tell her to talk to you?" Atushi didn't even know why he suggested that. He can't even talk to her properly now, let alone convince her to do something.

"No, it's alright. Sort your issue with her first. But tell Mamoru to message me. He hasn't been answering my calls recently."

"Alright."

With those words said, Yuhi hung up, and Atushi stared at his phone. He still couldn't get over the shock that Yuhi and Sumire liked each other. Why are they being so stupid? Part of the reason he couldn't take Sumire's feelings seriously and stopped her confession because he understood somebody else was in her heart.

....

Atushi decided to summon all his courage to talk to her after school. He has been watching her the last few days, so he was familiar with her routine. Seeing her dash off and leave as soon as the last bell rang, Atushi understood. Sumire must be dating that guy in secret. Otherwise, why else wouldn't she meet with him after

Today thankfully, they weren't kissing. The guy was speaking to another person, and Sumire wrapped her arms around his back and buried her face.

"Woah, Ibuki-"

"Hey, precious. Are you tired?" The silver-haired man said.

"Mmm, Toh." Sumire trails off. "I don't think we can go on a walk today. I want to sleep."

"Then, I will take you home." The Toh guy said.

Atushi stared at the two back and forth. Indeed, this guy seems to like her. As for what Sumire's feelings are, he doesn't understand them.

"I knew it." A voice from behind him said.

Atushi turned to see pink hair beside him; she wore a huge pair of sunglasses and a hat, and a mask that covered half her face. But, Atushi could tell who it was.

"Uh Momoi-san?"

"I knew Succhan was acting strange recently. So they are dating now? How come she didn't tell me!" Futaba looked livid but not at Sumire. She was glaring harshly at the silver-haired man.

Futaba sighed deeply. "It's unfortunate, though. He is treating her well."

Atushi glanced back at the sight to see that Toh guy had sent his friend away and was wrapping a scarf around the girl's neck. Then he placed a kiss on the girl's forehead.

"There, perfect."

Sumire laughed softly. "I think this is too big for me. Why don't we share it?"

"I was just waiting for you to ask."

Just a short interaction, but even Atushi couldn't deny that they looked good together. His thoughts broke off when he saw Futaba walk away. Atushi looked puzzled when he saw her motion for him to follow.

"I am guessing you haven't spoken to her yet?"

Atushi kept his head down, ashamed, and the girl sighed.

"Well, I didn't think it would be easy. What happened between you two isn't simple." Futaba trails off. "Based on her current situation, however. I do think you have a higher chance of apologizing to her now."

Based on her current situation? Atushi raised his eyebrow. He recalled what Tsueno Mamoru said about a new relationship being better for her now.

"Is there something wrong with her?" He knew it was rude to pry. But so many people were implying that something was wrong with her.