SUMIRE
This is driving her crazy.
'Did Yuhi-san change his cologne? But, it's still that familiar smell. Or am I feeling more self-conscious since it's been a while since I last smelled his scent this closely?'
The last time would be - Sumire thought back to his visit when that school was attacked. She didn't think she would pass out, and wake up with him by her side. The entire time, it felt like a dream to her. When she finally snapped out of her daze, it was almost time for him to leave.
But, the memory of him holding her close remained firmly in her mind. For the first few days after he left, she made sure to preserve his scent in her room for as long as she could.
'I really do crazy things when it comes to Terashima Yuhi.' But, it's not fair. Even back when they were partners, there was something comforting about his scent. She really liked huddling close to him whenever she found the opportunity, and Yuhi-san didn't make it any better. There were times where he would randomly hug her.
Her thoughts break off when Atushi drapes a familiar coat around her shoulders.
It was the first thing she spotted when she entered the bar.
Her cheeks colour. "I-I don't need this."
"I feel like you would have grabbed it regardless."
Damn him.
"Really Sumire, it's just me. You can be honest." Atushi said.
Right, from the start Atushi has always questioned why she picked Toh.
Sumire exhaled deeply. "It's true I miss Yuhi, and most-likely still have feelings for him."
"This is a good start." Atushi said.
"I've never been able to deny it, if someone asks me directly." Sumire admitted.
That's why, she is relieved that Toh never brought Yuhi up since they started dating. 'I'm relieved he was considerate. Or perhaps Toh also knew what would happen. He probably didn't want to hear her admit it.'
For the next few minutes neither of them spoke, Atushi helped fetch ingredients for her and helped cut them up. But, that was all he did. He seemed intrigued that she could actually cook now, and joked about how much of a disaster she was in the kitchen before.
It seems odd using the cooking skills she learned from Toh, to make food for Yuhi. But, she really wants Yuhi to have a nice meal. She doesn't trust anyone else to do this. Though Atushi's probably been trying to persuade him to eat, Yuhi-san must be being stubborn.
"Sumire, I really think your feelings for Yuhi are stronger than the ones you have for Mashima." Atushi said, breaking the silence.
Sumire averts her gaze.
"But, I can tell how important Mashima Toh has become to you. You don't want to let him go without fighting for him, and knowing for sure you can't have a future together, correct?"
She slowly nodded.
A future with Mashima Toh seems possible. They both care enough for each other, and 'he even bought a house.' It's not just her who has been thinking about it. Toh also thinks it's possible for them to have a future together.
"Yuhi will understand, no matter what you decide. You know that right?"
"I do, and that's why I can act like this. I really do want to run to him, and ask him why he is being such an idiot. Why does he never fight for me, even though he claims to love only me?"
Atushi sighs deeply. "I've asked him that too, but he is stubborn and says it's none of my business."
Sumire grumbled. "What use are you, if he doesn't even listen to you?"
Atushi rolls his eyes. "You off all people should know how stubborn that guy is. Actually, he reminds me of you."
Sumire pouted. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Once he sets his mind on something, it is difficult to change his mind." Atushi trails off. "He is especially stubborn when it comes to you."
"Did he speak about me often?" Sumire wondered.
"Like I told you the first time you found out I knew him, he spoke about you so much that it was sickening to listen to. But, it made me wonder what kind of girl captured his heart. You know, Yuhi isn't exactly the most social person."
Indeed, they had that in common.
"After learning it was you, well I think it makes sense. You're very similar to each other."
"Just because of that?"
Atushi shakes his head. "Even if two people are similar, that doesn't necessarily mean they would make a good couple." He looks at her. "You're similar, not just in terms of your hobbies, but the aura, how you speak, and how you think. Because of all those factors, I think you have a far better understanding of each other than the other person."
"Is that enough?" Sumire wondered.
"I don't know about other people, but for you and Yuhi it's enough. What the two of you need is that level of understanding in a partner."
Indeed, she can't deny those words.
The two of them cooked in silence after that, when Atushi's phone and the doorbell rang at the same time.
"Sorry, can you get the door for me?"
Sumire nodded and quickly washed her hands as she exited the room. On her way out she caught a glimpse of Yuhi's cigarettes, and his books and was half tempted to just take them.
'I wonder what kind of books he is reading now. We always shared similar tastes in stories.' Back when they were partners in the Holy Knights, Yuhi-san would often surprise her with a new book on her desk every day.
It's every book girls dream to have someone do that for them.
Terashima Yuhi certainly fulfilled many of her bookish fantasies.
Sumire shakes her head and opens the door. "Yes? Sorry if you're here for Atushi-" Her sentence fell short when she saw the person in front of her.
It was the person who had been occupying her thoughts. It was Terashima Yuhi.