SUMIRE
"Do you think Toh is-" Sumire didn't even want to say it.
The black alice organisation is a ruthless criminal organization. Anything related to the underworld is dangerous, but even amongst the people she has fought. The black alice organisation takes it too far.
It can't be.
Toh cannot be related to those people.
Because the black alice organisation members are all ruthless killers. How can she possibly think of her kind boyfriend, on the same page as those people?
"You have to look at this realistically, Sumire. From the moment you met Mashima Toh, their movements have increased. And recently, you've been running into him during your jobs, correct? I don't think it's a coincidence."
Sumire was fighting back more tears, but she couldn't. "Please-"
Please stop.
But, she can't say those words either.
'I know what Asuka is trying to say, I can't keep lying to myself. Especially not when the situation is getting this bad. People's lives are at stake here, I can't continue being selfish.'
Moreover, Toh has made it clear with his actions. That his group isn't honourable. 'I've seen the people he calls his subordinates, seen the disgusted looks on their faces when they see me. The disgust, and something sinister in their eyes.'
There are so many clues everywhere. She is living in his home right now, if she wanted to, she would probably find more information.
But, she doesn't want to do that.
Toh can't be the enemy, he just can't.
Asuka bit her lip and took her phone out, seeing the name on the screen. Sumire wanted to look away.
"Sumire? Can you hear me? Take a deep breath."
Because the person talking right now? It's Terashima Yuhi.
'So Asuka had him on call on the background this entire time. That's so sly of her.'
Asuka tossed the phone and she caught it.
"I'll leave you two to chat." Asuka quickly shut the balcony doors behind her.
End the call.
End it.
But right now, she doesn't have the strength to fight. To hold it back.
"I've missed you." Sumire mumbled.
She really has.
Ever since she resolved herself to date Toh, and sent that message. She has pushed back anything to do with Terashima Yuhi to the back of her mind. She no longer reacts to his posters or his music playing around town.
"Yeah, I know."
Sumire laughs bitterly. "Even though I have been avoiding you?"
"Even so. I know you, Sumire."
And he does, doesn't he? That was why she sent a message like that. She knew Yuhi would understand.
"I understand why you decided to do that. You didn't think it would be fair on your new boyfriend if we kept in touch. You knew your feelings for me would get in the way."
'My feelings for you. Feelings that never seem to disappear. No matter how much I like Toh, these emotions for Yuhi do not disappear.'
"Damn, I'm probably not wording this correctly. I sound like a conceited jerk."
Sumire laughs. "You weren't?"
"So, you really like this guy huh?"
Sumire exhales deeply. "This is going to be so awkward, can't we talk about something else?"
"No, not after hearing you cry your heart out like that for another guy." Yuhi trails off. "I know it's weird discussing this, but Sumire. You definitely won't talk to anyone else about this. You'll bottle it up, and that's not healthy."
Damn, why does he have to be right.
Sumire takes a deep breath but eventually tells Yuhi everything about her and Mashima Toh. She skimmed over the intimacy parts of the relationship as much as possible. Talking about this is already cringe, let alone adding those moments.
"I see, you love him this much."
Sumire blinks. "I love him?"
Yuhi sighs. "This poor guy, I feel bad for him."
"Hey! How am I supposed to know the difference between like and love?" Sumire exclaimed.
She's never felt this strongly about another person other than well Yuhi. It's his fault!
"Well, for one. Take your feelings for me into account. When did you discover that you loved me?"
Sumire felt her cheeks heat up. Isn't he being too casual about this?
"Ah, I didn't ask that to hear an answer. It would break my self control if I learned about the moment you fell head over heels for me."
Sumire's eyes twitched. "Head over heels?"
Yuhi chuckled. "Let's just say my sources have told me how obsessed you are with me."
Damn Ru.
'I hope he doesn't know about that plushie of him I used to hug to sleep.'
"Yuhi, do you hold a grudge against me for liking someone else?" Sumire wondered.
"You think I hate you?"
"W-well, I rejected you when I had feelings for you. And later on admitted that I love you. But suddenly I broke contact,and started getting close to another guy before dating him."
"Correction, you broke contact because of my stupid decision to release that song."
"Why did you do it?" Sumire mumbled.
"It was an abrupt decision. After Aki talked to me."
Aki?
Sumire's eyes twitched annoyed. As she thought, she knew she got a bad feeling about all of this. It seemed unusual for Yuhi to make a decision that would lead to them not talking to each other. After all, he has been bothering Masaru and Ru about her speaking to him for a very long time.
"Aki told me, 'At this rate, she will accept your feelings. The issues you two had previously? She will dismiss all of it and accept you. As long as you remain in touch, she cannot fall for Mashima Toh.'"
Huh?
"Y-you knew Toh's identity-"
Yuhi nodded. "After you sent me that message, I figured Aki's plan worked. But, regardless I was worried so I investigated him."
Then Yuhi must also know about which group Toh belongs to. If she asks, Yuhi will definitely tell her.
Sumire shakes her head and quickly changes the subject.
"Why don't you also get-" Sumire couldn't bring herself to say the words.
'-get a girlfriend-'
Just the thought of Yuhi being with another woman upsets her.
Yuhi chuckled. "I can sense your rage already."
Sumire felt her cheeks colour.
"I won't do that. No matter what. You are the only one for me Sumire."