She has grown strong enough to no longer need Nao to guard her like before. But even then, this person has remained by her side. After Aki helped her, he headed to the Holy knights base, and she surprisingly saw Nao there. It seemed like he had asked this person to save her.
'I'm sorry I could not be by your side. From now on, I will make sure, no matter what the costs, to protect you with my life.' The vow he made then remains so clear in her mind.
There is no need anymore, but his resolution is far stronger than before. No matter how cold-hearted she is, she cannot simply turn him away.
Sumire glanced at the palm of her hand; since then, huh? Far too many events have happened in just three years, and even more, after Terashima Yuhi left to go to Tokyo.
There are many occasions when she wants to contact him, but whenever she has those thoughts. She would remind herself why she let him go in the first place.
For her to search for the happiness that people so proudly boast about, she has to sacrifice her heart. For her to search for happiness without Yuhi does not seem right. Ever since she met him, he has remained the center of her world.
But those deep feelings are they genuine or an illusion? Does she only feel this way because it felt like he understood her?
She does not understand, can a person like her who is broken love another person sincerely?
Is it okay for her to do so?
"You are still wearing your moonlight academy badge," Nao observed, breaking the silence.
"Ah, aren't you doing the same?"
"I forgot."
"I'm sure that's what it is."
This moonlight academy badge is a symbol of her middle school. Although a year had passed since she entered Tsukuhara high, she would still keep this badge nearby. It was similar to a good luck charm to her.
Moonlight academy, huh? She wished they had a high school section; if she did, then she wouldn't have gone to Tsukuhara. Not that there was anything wrong with Tsukuhara, because there was a reason why she decided to come here.
"So, it's been awhile since you did the walk of shame. Mind giving me details?"
Sumire sweat fell when she heard his tone. When he greeted her casually, she thought he wouldn't mention this. It seems like she has no choice.
She explained what happened as simply as she could. But she felt the bike turn sideways slightly and knew Nao was annoyed.
"It's okay; he wasn't a bad person."
"You know that's not the point." Nao sighed deeply. "You have to be more careful, Princess. There are many bad people in this world."
"I am aware; there is no need to nag."
"I am not nagging. I am just concerned."Nao sighed. "Asahi was with me when you sent the message over. She wanted to come along, but she had another job."
"It's a relief that she is okay."
"But you-" Nao sighed. "You need to stop being reckless; even if you are strong, you have to learn to accept protection, Princess. Many people worry about you."
Sumire's eyes widened at his words. "Learn to accept protection?"
"Right, it's understandable why you are hesitating about it now. But despite what you think, some genuinely care for you. Those who will be devastated if something bad happens to you. No matter how strong you are, you are not invincible. Allow yourself to accept protection from others who care."
She does not reply to his words, and Nao does not say anymore. Learning to accept protection, huh? It feels like somebody else said those words to her a long time ago too. Somebody very precious and more important to her than her life.
..
At tsukuhara high
"Safe !" Sumire said as she collapsed onto her seat.
The teacher emailed them a new seating plan chart yesterday, but she did not look at it due to her situation. Thankfully Nao showed her on the way inside the building. Her seat was the second to the last row, second to the window.
Changing seats this time of year is unusual. But it doesn't matter; no matter how many times they change seats, the people around her do not change.
"You two barely made it on time," Masato commented.
"Now it's like them." Hijiri chuckled.
Jian Hijiri, her other childhood friend, and her cousin.
Senna Masato is the son of the famous Senna corps and majors in the piano.
Coincidentally their seats were right next to each other. No, the teacher in charge of this class knows her circumstances very well. Rather than force her to interact with new people and expand her circle of friends, he would rather choose the easy way.
"If we're talking about who is late. There's one idiot who's still not here." Nao said, pointing to the empty seat beside him.
"That's not nice, you know." Sumire pointed out, only to earn a scowl from Nao mumbling something about her babying him.
Then again, she did just see him yesterday. He's probably tired from the event. Unlike Masato and Nao, Mikaze takes fan events seriously. He is the type that interacts with the fans more.
"I can guess what you're thinking. But being tired isn't an excuse. I was there yesterday." Masato said.
Her close friends are all members of the entertainment industry. Hijiri acts as the group manager, but the one who goes along with the guys is her.
"I apologize for only showing my face and not helping."
Masato shook his head. "You are busy with your debut preparations. Do not concern yourself with us. We can manage now."
"That makes me feel lonely. Are you guys that independent now? Soon enough, you will be telling me that you don't need my songs anymore."
"If that ever happens, I probably won't be in the entertainment industry anymore."
Sumire laughed. "I see."
It does not make sense to her, but they genuinely care about her. She recalled what Nao said; he most likely referred to the guys in Nanairo feather. Those six guys cared deeply for her that much she understood very well. But with her issues, it is hard for her to accept so many people's kindness, let alone their protection and love.
She will have to confront it all one day, but that day is not now.
To think that she would be with everyone again again like this once again. She was worried that they'd end up in separate classes.
"What's wrong, Hijiri?"
"Those three aren't here."
Nao shook his head, " They weren't last time too. They're probably in star class. We saw the bridge way on our way here."
They end up in mixed classes for the final semester, but it's usually only a few additions.
That's true; since it's those three, it's not surprising there not here. Sumire felt her cheeks turn a bright shade of red, recalling what happened in the camp they just had. ' I love you' was Daiki-sama really serious about that?
Ichiko Daiki, the first time she had heard his music, she really was entranced. It was something that captivated her - when everything was dark, the second she heard his singing, a trail of color would show up.
When she first met him, he didn't give such an impression at all; he was cold-hearted and rude. Yet slowly, she found out the reason why.
Asahi was certainly right about the guys in nanairofeather liking her. But up until now, nobody has dared to confess. She figured the other guys had the same mindset as her. They did not want to destroy the harmony and friendship they had built this entire time.
To think he would be the first person to break that. It is a good thing they ended up in separate classes. Otherwise, she would not know how to face him.
She recalled Nao's words from earlier. If she accepts protection, it means accepting other people's kindness. But right now, the current her cannot do that.