It''s far from a gentle one. Without Yuhi by her side, she has nobody she can turn to when she wants to break down. At least that is what she thought. Despite the growing crowd, Hino remained in sight.


    "Outstretched palms, holding up.


    The color of the stars.


    Towards a tomorrow


    Where our paths have ovepped."


    But nobody can stop her now. Nobody can stop her from seeking out light in the undiscoverednds of this world.


    "I miss you! Our hearts are joined.


    We look up, beyond the shining rainbow.


    Miracles are brimming, shining.


    Toward a world like that.


    I sp your hand and fly off."


    "Let''s go straight forward.


    Because I feel your heart.


    Lets charge forth.


    The sky toward which we flew off now sparkles."


    "You and I turn our backs to it, faster than a light.


    To the ends of the sky.


    We stared at it, hand in hand.


    Close your eyes, and let our hearts now ovep."


    After the concert however, the guitarist whose name was Namura kept following her around. She was trying to reunite with Hino but due to the crowd it was difficult. Moreover Namura went fromplimenting her guitar skills to professing his love for her in just a few minutes.


    Sumire rolled her eyes when Hino walked over.


    "Am I getting paid for overtime?"


    "Questioning your manager. That''s pretty brave of you. Should I fix this mouth of yours hmm?" Hino said, pinching her cheeks.


    Her brave front onlysted five minutes. Her cheeks are delicate!


    "Ah that hurts. I give, I give."


    Clearly this closeness didn''t sit too well with Namura, since he finally spoke up. "D--- D0n''t tell me when you said two guys you love, you mean''t one of them was Narasaki Hino?"


    His voice really is loud, maybe even louder then herself. Sumire was getting ready to exin herself, when she felt the Hinowrap his arms tighter around herself. Aha, of course he''s going to do this.


    ''I know he isn''t serious. But, Hino said rather than there being rumors about her and a strange guy it''s better if he is the guy.''


    Indeed, when the rumors first started Yuhi called her and said that ''Hino is protecting you well.'' It seemed Yuhi was fully aware that the media would use this chance to set her up with other guys, so their rtionship would fall apart.


    Sumire sighed, those people truly have nothing better to do.


    "Well, maybe it''s like that.


    Sumire nced over at Hino who looked back at her, leading Namura to fall on the ground. what-with those secret looks.why are you two so close?" Hesuddenly stands up."I --I won''t lose to you."


    With those words said Namura rushed away.


    She only just met this guy today but he is acting like they have known each other for a long time.


    "You have quite the persistent stalker, you''ll have a problem with that one."


    "Don''t worry I''ll be fine. I''m strong."


    If worstes to worst, she could just beat him up. Nobody would me her since she could im it is an act of self-defence.


    She suddenly recalled the food in her bag."Ah that''s right. When I was baking earlier I ended up making too much. Please take some to the others."


    After she gave Hino the bag she turned her attention to the crosswalk. If she returns home now, she should make it on time. She only turned to walk, but ended up losing her footing.Hino scooped her in his arms immediately.


    Sumireughs lightly seeing his expression."When was I caught?"


    Hino sighed. Backstage whenever I watch you, I have noticed that yourplexion looks pale."


    "Oh, as expected from yougold star manager." Sumire said yfully.


    Instead of refuting however, Sumire only saw a troubled and worried look sh through Hino''s eyes.


    Sumire immediately stopped her joking tone. Shereached over and ced her hand on his face."ou always seem to worry too much. You''ve already done enough for me and yet you still do more. Even now I know you''re working hard for my sake. That''s why it''s alright isn''t it?"


    ''I don''t have to confront him directly about it, he will understand.''


    Ever since Yuhi went to the US, Hino has remained by her side. Whenever they aren''t together, he would make sure to call and message her. Sumire knew all too well how much this person has been working hard for her sake and that''s why it''s alright already.


    Her thoughts break off when she hears the sound of a shutter and sighed deeply. Hino ced her down on the ground but grabbed hold of her wrist. "On the count of one, two-"


    The moment Hino said the next number she was already sprinting, Hino following closely behind her.


    She has already lost count how many times she has run from the reporters like this. Now that she has sessfully returned to the entertainment industry, she has be a public figure again. In other words, the reporters had every right to chase and post news about her.


    If they go overboardhowever, there is Hino''s restraining order. After running for a few minutes, they eventually lose the reporter.


    Hino sighed. "Those people, are getting better at chasing recently."


    Sumireughed. "I wonder what the next headline will be. A loving princess carry? The affair continues."


    At those words Hino tapped her forehead. "Stop causing problems."


    "You''re the one who carried me." Sumire pouted. "Besides-" She trailed off seeing Hino point to the shops and sheughed again.


    "What would you like for dinner today? You must be hungry."


    "Yakisoba."


    "Then let''s get going."


    It did not take long before they went to the shopping market district and bought everything they needed. The vendor at the vegetable store even offered them a discount for always buying. This market is close to the house Yuhi and her bought, and the most important part is it''s close to the sea. After shopping sessfully for dinner, she and Hino headed over.


    This has be a daily routine now, and yet she doesn''t get tired. Hino picks her up from the university, shopping for groceries, spending time on the beach and having dinner together. He makes sure she isn''t alone, and if he isn''t withher, he makes sure there is somebody else.


    Hino really is far too kind, why does he do so much for her when he can''t return her feelings?


    Even now it surprises her, when she was saying goodbye to Yuhi in the airport that day. She didn''t see Hino, and just assumed he was already in the ne. But when Yuhi left and she fell to the ground crying, the person who helped her stand up was Hino.


    *Unedited*