TOH
It's about choice.
No matter how much time passes by, he cannot forget that.
Ever since the hot spring trip, Sumire has definitely become more comfortable with him. But, that does not mean he should take advantage of the situation. Moreover, no matter how comfortable she seems. 'I still see her flinch when others get close to her, the reaction she has towards other people's touches-' There is definitely more to her trauma than what she has shared with him.
Sumire nodded, as she stared at the boxes of the desserts. "You went to the shop?"
"Since I was passing by. When I was ordering your favourites, the staff there recognized the order and asked if I knew you."
"What did you say?"
Toh chuckled seeing her eyes light up with interest. "I introduced myself as your new boyfriend."
"I'm sure that led to a war, since they were fans of me and San."
Indeed, the moment he said who he was to Sumire. He saw one of the staff members break a box, and another even started mumbling curses. But, forget about that.
'San?' This is the first time she is calling Nagawa like that in front of him.
'I knew they were close, I knew she was extremely fond of him. But, hearing her use a nickname intimately makes me sick.'
Toh's eyes twitched. "Is that a nickname? It seems you were closer than I thought."
Sumire covers her mouth and laughs, and he looks at her frustrated. She definitely did that on purpose. She must have noticed how irritated he gets when Nagawa is mentioned.
"Sorry, sorry. It's just, it's rare to see you frustrated or annoyed."
"If you ask me beautiful, there are many things that have been irritating me recently." Toh mumbled.
'Until I met her, I assumed I was indifferent to many things. I thought my profession prevented me from having the same emotions as everyone else. But, ever since I met Ibuki Sumire, I realized I was just like any other male. I have my own desires.'
Sumire buried her face in his chest. "I know it's to do with me. Thank you, for chershing me so much."
Ibuki Sumire has thanked him so many times since they first met, even more after they started dating. But, there was something different about this one.
The Sumire right now is just like a little kid.
Something normal people have experienced, simple acts of kindness, or care. To her these are all new. 'I know Tsueno, and her other friends must have tried their best to convey that they cared. But, it wasn't enough.'
She stayed in his arms for a few minutes, and neither of them spoke. Toh just savoured the feeling of the girl in his arms.
"Say Toh, um you mentioned it before, about marrying me."
"Correct."
Or rather, has she forgotten that she was the one who said she wanted to be his wife?
"That is, you got me a ring?"
'Koichi must have mentioned it to her. Or it could have been Arata, since it seems like they meet frequently.'
"I did."
'For now, I bought her a ring. But, only because it's a promise ring. For an actual engagement and wedding ring, I have every intention of designing it myself.'
"I-I see." Sumire stammered.
Seeing her flushed face, Toh blinked. Why is she that embarrassed about it? Normally this is the part where she would casually brush things off.
'I think you should try and give it to her. I don't know much about Ibuki even now. But from what I can see, girls like her will be flattered to receive something that actually proves your affections. After all, anyone can say they say love you and take it back when their feelings change. But objects, a ring for example is a sign of commitment. Any girl would be happy to have it.'
Recalling Koichi's words, Toh paused. Could it be? He grabbed Sumire's wrist causing her to look at him directly. The moment their eyes met contact, Toh understood. This isn't just simple embarrassment. She is embarrassed but that light in her eyes.
Toh brushed their foreheads together. "Hey, does the idea please you?"
Sumire slowly nodded.
"The ring, I'll give it to you when we move in together."
Once everything is settled.
He doesn't want to give her false hope, or have her wait for him if he has to leave. No, that's no longer an option. Someone, not too long ago, gave him really good advice. His gaze fell on the girl, with a complicated look on his face. It's not going to be easy mentioning it, but she did say they should work on a solution together.
Sumire nodded. "Ah, I can't wait for us to just live together."
Toh chuckled. "Are you that excited to become my wife?"
Sumire's cheeks colour and she coughs again. "N-No! I-I just want to live with you."
"Living in a man's house before marriage? I'm sure your parents in heaven would cry."
At those words Sumire cursed and he chuckled.
"We should schedule a time to see the house, when are you free beautiful?"
"Ah, wait a moment." Sumire moves away from him and rummages through the pillows on the couch. She eventually fished out her phone. "Lets see, it's almost time for the second concur so I've been practicing a lot. But, my accompanist Mizue-san is really accommodating. She is also a third year student so I'm sure if I suggest taking breaks from practice it would help her."
"What about your debut preparations?"
"The president has that covered, he is really good with time management."
"That reminds me, with everything that has been happening lately. I never got a chance to greet him."
Sumire's cheeks colour. "W-well, maybe we shouldn't. I-I mean-"
Toh raised his eyebrow. "Does he have a problem with me?"
Sumire shakes her head. "N-no, it's-" She nervously plays with her hair. "I told him already, about us."
"You explained everything?" Toh asked to clarify.
She slowly nodded. "At first he seemed baffled, but then mumbled that this wouldn't be the first time I was dating someone older."
Toh exhales deeply. "While I understand his concern. I hope you clarified that I am not like the other one."
Sumire giggled and crawled back onto his lap. "So, you want the approval of my guardian that bad?"
Toh nodded as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "After all, I'm serious about you."
Sumire leans forward and lightly brushes her lips against his. "You don't have to worry, I made my intentions very clear."
"Your intentions beautiful?"
"Towards you, us." Sumire mumbled.
Previously Sumire had only been teasing him with light kisses, but now the girl was trying to pry his mouth open. Toh complies, and Sumire uses that chance.
'Even though this isn't the first time she has taken the initiative to kiss me. These days I do find her more willing to become intimate with me. At the back of my mind, I understand why she seems to be in a hurry. They both understand their time with each other is limited.'
He should be discouraging her.
She may have to go back to school tomorrow, but he can't bare to be reasonable anymore.