Sano was the perfect gentleman; he knew what to say to gain her trust. He knew how to break down her walls and enter her heart. He even pretended to understand how bad her mental health is, he even accompanied her to her appointments. He encouraged her and helped her. But who would have thought it would end up being a lie? A facade so she would let her guard down?
Yes, it was, it was all a lie. He hid behind that mask so well and acted out his role perfectly. Nobody around her suspected anything; they all saw him as a kind gentleman. That was why when they did break up, everybody thought the problem was her.
Sumire did not realize how badly her relationship with Sano affected her viewpoint on guys and romance. When she dated Kanagawa Ren for a short while, she still couldn't see it. It was only when Ren tried to touch her; she realized it. Ah, all men are scum. This is all they want from a girl. They do not desire anything else.
Kanagawa Ren was a strange man.
He did not care about going on dates with her. Whenever they went on a date or did anything, couple like; he looked bored.
He liked kissing and getting close to her. He liked taking baths together and talking.
She already saw the signs then, but she still fell for his trap. When he tried to touch her, Sano's words echoed in her mind like some sort of curse. His parting words about a guy and his needs. She felt disgusted and refused Ren.
Sumire recalled the hurt expression on his face then, but none of that mattered to her.
For the first time, Sumire felt revolted around men.
But Terashima Yuhi? Terashima Yuhi is different from them. She knew that from the way he held her last night. He touched her like she was some sort of rare jewel. He treated her so gently despite his words.
Sumire turned around, and the moment she did, she saw how tired Yuhi looked. His entire face and clothes drenched in sweat. Her eyes widened, could it be…
Her thoughts broke off when he slumped on her chest. "Ah, wait? Yuhi?"
..............
Sumire did not have the strength to lift him to the infirmary. No, she could have done so. But at this time there would be a lot of people there. So this was the only thing she could do. She found an empty classroom and locked the door behind them. She turned to Yuhi, who laid down on the couch, his arm across his eyes, covering his face. He seemed to be in deep thought since he did not say a word since earlier.
"Hey, you like me, right?"
She looked away. "I do."
"Then don't run away from me. You frightened me, you know. You took some of your stuff with you too."
She did plan on leaving and returning to her apartment. But when she got to her apartment, Sumire changed her mind. A few minutes in that place and she realized how cold and depressing that place was.
"You overheard what Shin and I said just now, so have some confidence."
"I would have some more confidence if you came over here. Why are you standing at the door?"
"I am on lookout."
Yuhi sighed. "Nobody will come, everybody is in class now. Come over here, Sumire, or I will come to you."
Her face color turned pale when she sensed his threatening tone. Geh, he is scary!! Since she arrived in Tokyo, Yuhi seldom scolds her. But whenever he does, she ends up regretting it so much. He is scary when he is mad.
Sumire took a deep breath and walked over to him. Her footsteps felt heavy as she dragged herself across. After a few minutes passed by, soon, she was directly in front of him. The moment she arrived, he moved his hands from his face and pulled her onto the couch. It surprised her how fast his reflexes are. Yuhi pinned her hands at the top and remained on top of her.
"What are you doing?"
"That should be my line," Yuhi said. "Why did you run away? You don't hate me, right?"
"I don't hate you. I like you."
His lips curve to a smile. Sumire wanted to dig up that hole already and hide. What on earth is she doing saying such things? Ever since the other day, her emotions feel strange; she feels weird. Yuhi brushed his lips against her ear, and she shuddered. What is he trying to do to her?
"You need to relax, Sumire," Yuhi mumbled. "I won't hurt you."
"But, you will touch me, right?"
"I will."
Sumire averted her gaze. "If I told you that I feel weird about it, would you laugh?"
She regretted saying those words. This time for sure, Yuhi will leave her and get annoyed.
Yuhi placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I won't laugh, I noticed last night. So let's talk about it. Do you not want to? I can wait."
Sumire could not miss his gentle gaze and his tone. How come? How come he can say that with a smile? How come he isn't criticizing her? Is Yuhi truly okay-- She recalled something Sano said before and frowned. Sano said the same thing too, but it turned out he was sleeping with other girls to fill his needs or something. Yuhi is a player, so could it be he is doing the same?
He handed out so many keys to different girls, yet it did not feel right. Yuhi is not the type of person who would do something like that. She gently caressed his cheeks.
"I don't mind since it is you. But, please don't overdo it."
Please don't make it the center of their relationship, she silently begged. She wants to go dates with him and do normal couple activities together.
Yuhi blinked before he burst into laughter.
"It isn't funny, I'm serious."
"Well, I guess I can keep my hormones in check. But a few times every week?" Yuhi asked.
She couldn't believe he agreed, and now he is suggesting a time frame. Why is this guy doing the opposite of the things Sano did? Terashima Yuhi is too perfect. Is there truly a guy like this who would consider how she felt and take into account what she wants?
"I suppose so," Sumire replied shyly. She felt like an idiot.
I am usually the one messing with people.
Yuhi laughed and cupped her cheeks. "Then, what about now?"