TOH
"Asuka is a really good singer. It's a waste that people don't see how talented she is." Sumire said. "She was invited all the way to Tokyo, so hopefully people pick up on her talent soon."
A few hours had gone by, and he definitely felt much better. He joked with her that it was because they did it, and she punched him hard.
Currently they were cuddling in bed, while they watched TV. The music program Sumire was so excited about was one her friend Kiragi Asuka was participating in.
Toh flicked through the program guide and paused, seeing Terashima Yuhi's name. Did she know about this? No, she wouldn't have.
"They said there would be a special singer today, I wonder who-" Sumire paused and froze once she caught a glance of the page with the list of names. She turns to him flustered. "I-I didn't know! Asuka just finished, so let's just-"
Toh shook his head. "It's fine, we can keep watching."
'Besides, I want to see for my own eyes if she still likes him as much as she did, even though she is fostering feelings for me.'
Sumire buries her face in his chest. "I really don't want you to misunderstand."
"I'm aware beautiful, don't worry."
Despite his words, Sumire continued to be very tense. Right up until Terashima Yuhi's turn, Toh could see the light in her eyes. But, the person who stepped onto stage wasn't Terashima Yuhi but a man with purple coloured hair.
"Unfortunately due to health reasons, Yuhi will not be performing today."
The crowd immediately bursts into boos.
"Not just today but for a while."
There is immediate silence.
"I will send all your wishes for his recovery, but please do not disturb Yuhi at the moment. I, as his manager will keep everyone informed. But, he needs to use this time to rest."
Toh turned to the girl in his arms to see her reaction.
Sumire was already fishing her phone out.
"Asuka? I'm watching the program just now, Yuhi-" Sumire turns quiet. "Ask Aki-san?" At those words Sumire's gaze dimmed and she curses. "Alright, if you find anything out can you let me know?"
.....
She was distracted for the rest of the evening. Even though he acted like nothing had happened, Toh knew he couldn't go through with the plans he had for her that night.
Sumire had to go to school the next day, and Toh couldn't bring himself to ask her to stay even though he wanted to. She was clearly uneasy, and he knew he wouldn't have been able to calm her down. Although he saw her off to the school gate, there is no guarantee that she actually attended.
He was wandering around town, aimlessly when he found himself in front of the girls house.
There was a note by Sumire's door.
'Don't worry about me.'
Despite the vague note, Toh immediately understood who it was from. Terashima. Terashima Yuhi must have come here. This handwriting definitely isn't Tsueno's.
Terashima really knows her well.
He knows even if Sumire has a boyfriend now, she will still react that way if something happens to him.
'Have I underestimated the feelings, and the bond the two share with each other?' Toh clenched his fist. He doesn't want to lose Sumire. But, Toh stares at the note. If Terashima Yuhi is in star town, she will definitely want to see him.
Before he could react more, a hand shot forward and removed the note.
It belonged to Tsueno Mamoru.
Mamoru looks at the note with a complicated expression and takes his phone out. "Yeah you're right. He must have been in star town, there's a note by the door like you said."
Toh patiently waited until he finished on the phone before asking. "Was that Aki?"
Mamoru nodded. "Ki stormed into the base this morning and demanded answers. It turns out Aki and Yuhi met not too long ago, but they got into an argument." He trails off before adding. "They were attending a meeting, regarding the disruption in Star town, no other places in Japan."
"I thought Terashima wasn't a member of the underworld anymore."
"I assumed that too, but Atushi tells me he has never stopped being a member of Akagumi. That he only became a member of the Holy knights to keep an eye out on Sumire. Him quitting the Holy knights, was simply-"
"To reassure Sumire?" Toh guessed.
Mamoru exhales deeply. "I only just found out too, damn. If I knew this was going to happen, I would have attended the meeting too."
"Were you invited?"
"Not me, Ki was. But, she seemed occupied with something so the offer went to me."
Occupied with something? 'I don't recall her being busy with anything, after all, we have been spending a lot of time toget-' Toh paused in mid thought. Is the thing that was occupying her, spending time with him? She prioritised that over this big meeting?
A complicated look flashed through Mamoru's eyes. "Yuhi is probably still around. I'll see if I can find him. Meanwhile, you should attend Ki's event."
"Event?"
"The school is participating in a event in the mini mall nearby. There is a showcase of talents in the program. Ki is really clumsy about showing her other talents, so others suggested she sings instead."
Come to think of it, before they watched the program. It looked like Sumire wanted to tell him something.
"I guess I'll go." Toh turned to leave when Mamoru placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Wait, wait." Mamoru exclaimed. "I get this is going to be awkward, but even if you don't hand it directly, can you slip this into Ki's bag?"
Seeing the note, Toh looked at it with a complicated expression which Mamoru noticed.
"You won't throw it away right? Ki needs to see this, it won't stop her from worrying but-"
"I'm aware." Toh mumbled. "I promise it will get to her."