HIJIRI
Toh frowned when he saw him but his gaze softened once he spotted Sumire, and approached her.
"Are you playing hide and seek again beautiful?"
"Gahh." Sumire exclaimed.
Toh chuckled. "I don't mind hunting you down if need be. But, maybe when you're in less clothing. It would make the hunt more exciting."
Sumire covers his mouth "Y-you can't say that stuff here."
Toh leans forward and kisses Sumire's forehead. "I've missed you terribly."
"W-we saw each other at lunch."
"That was four hours ago." Toh mumbled.
Sumire buries her face in his chest. "J-just wait a bit, I'm going to go back to the art room and fetch my stuff."
Toh chuckles. "Did you rush here the moment you saw me?"
Sumire's face flames, confirming Mashima's words.
Nao is right. She really does like Mashima.
She might even be in love with him.
This is a problem. After dealing with Nagawa, we were supposed to gradually isolate her.
'I saw with my own eyes, how she fell into despair after what happened with Nagawa. I left the country for a while knowing that when I returned it would be easy to sway Sumire over to his side. But, I wasn't expecting to see the light and hope in her eyes.'
Mashima Toh, what exactly did he do?
"I-I have to go, just- a few minutes. It won't take long."
Toh exhaled deeply. "I suppose I'll have to let you go, but you will make it up to me will you not?"
"I-I can do that." Sumire said nervously as she scrambled away. She briefly looked at him and nodded.
The moment Sumire was out of earshot, Mashima turned his attention to him.
"She mentioned a Hijiri before but I didnt think it was you."
Hijiri chuckled. "I haven't been attending school for awhile."
Toh exhales deeply. "I'm guessing she doesn't know?"
"If she knew of my involvement in the black Alice organisation, do you think I'd still be here in one piece?"
Toh was frowning. "You're really her cousin?"
"Don't we look alike?" Hijiri said bitterly.
"Indeed, I can see the resemblance."
"But, it's interesting. I heard she found a new boyfriend, I didn't think it would be you." Hijiri said. "Surely you know who she is."
Seeing Mashima's body tense. Hijiri understood, Mashima must have been trying to deny it.
"..."
"Since you want to keep denying it I'll spell it out for you. Sumire is the girl the Lord has been looking for, she's the one he marked
"..."
"Nothjng to say?" Hijiri pried. "Does she know of your involvement?"
There is no way Sumire would continue dating Mashima if she knew who he really was.
"And you're the one who killed her parents." Toh stated camly.
Hijiri's eyes widened at those words. 'How does he know that? I made sure to erase every trace. Moreover Mashima didn't know Sumire then, he wouldn't have just randomly investigated the case. Is it a coincidence?'
"Both of us have our dirty little secrets."
"Fine, I won't say a word. But, you won't be able to stay with her long." Hijiri said.
Toh chuckled. "You're extremely confident there."
Hijiri frowned. "You're a member of the black alice organisation. No, you're the vice command. Do you really think she would remain with you?"
"That's up to her."
Hijiri felt irritated. Why does he sound so confident?
"I think it's interesting how attached you are to her. This is the first time I am seeing so many emotions from you." Toh said.
He curses.
"It seems, I finally have a hold of your weakness."
"What do you intend to do with that information?"
Toh laughs. "In the past, I would have used it as leverage against you when you ask me to do unreasonable things. But, not anymore."
Before Hijiri could say anything to those words, Sumire re-emerged and that's when he saw it. The gentle look on Mashima Toh's face. Mashima Toh who is normally so indifferent to others. He isn't cruel like the other members of the organisation, but he normally doesn't show such normal emotions.
"Toh! I'm done, shall we go?"
Toh chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Sumire's waist.
"Very eager I see."
Sumire pouted. "You told me that you have a fancy dinner reservation."
"Oh? You want to go now? I thought you said you preferred my cooking."
"I-I do, but like once in a while going to a restaurant is nice. I want to make more memories with you Toh."
There are so many ways that can be misinterpreted, indeed Mashima must have thought that too. Since he suddenly smirked.
"I agree, we really need to make memories beautiful. Preferably memories in the bedroom."
"I-If you keep teasing me like that we will have a problem!"
Hijiri clenched his fist.
This is more than a fleeing romance. 'I can hear the alarm bells in my head. Sumire will not lose hope or fall into despair with Mashima Toh around. I have to separate them.'
"Sumire." Hijiri called out. He see's something flicker in her eyes. Although she briefly acknowledged him earlier. Hijiri sensed something was different. "I haven't been back in so long, won't you give your cousin a hug?"
Sumire flinches but leaves Mashima's embrace and walked over. Hijiri pulls her into his arms and holds her tightly.
"I've missed you." Hijiri said softly. "How have you been?"
"Y-yeah, I've been alright."
"The break up with Nagawa must have hurt you a lot. I'm sorry I had to leave right after."
"N-no it's alright now."
She's trembling.
'I see. I suppose it makes sense.'
As much as he wanted to keep her in his arms longer, he knew if this continued she would have a panic attack. There are so many people around. If they see her in that state, they will definitely spread rumors.
Hijiri lets her go, and she immediately rushed back to Mashima.
"Let's go for dinner with the guys soon. It will be my treat." Hijiri said with his usual smile.
"Y-yeah that sounds good."
Mashima frowns and hugs Sumire tightly. "Lets stop by the house first beautiful. The reservation isn't until later anyway."
Sumire weakly nodded.
With that, he watched the two leave.
The way she was acting, she must have found something out.
Of course she would. Lucifer's actions this past year have been chaotic. No doubt Sumire's investigations have led to him being involved in the organisation.
'I am running out of time. I knew this ruse wouldn't last much longer, but I thought I still had more time than this.'