Is there anything your bad at?

The job Aki wanted her to do didn't take her long. The two groups that were fighting immediately recognized her and stopped, but she stayed in the alleyway even after the groups stopped. She leaned against the wall and just stared at the sky with a dazed expression.

Aki could have easily gotten a lower member to take care of this. But, he deliberately called for her. That guy does everything indirectly, but Sumire understood. He probably did this for her sake and even timed it after she finished her rehearsal. He knew she would want some alone time and away from the station.

"Hey, is this spot taken?" She hears a familiar voice and spots Toh.

Sumire laughs. "It is now."

She felt his hand on hers, and her heartbeat increased.

"So, do you do this often? Sneak away?"

Sumire sighs. "The big boss is too lazy to use his other subordinates and likes to push me around."

"I kept the media busy for you. Did you know that you were being followed?"

"Oh, good work. But even if you didn't do that, I have bodyguards. It's compulsory for leaders to have it."

She found it very stupid since she was stronger than her bodyguards.

"Hm, I see." Toh cups her cheeks. "What would your bodyguards do if I kissed you?"

Sumire laughs awkwardly. "Well, they'd certainly question your tastes." She sees Toh edging closer.

Does he really want to kiss her? Didn't he already do that earlier?

'I still don't understand relationships very well. Sano didn't behave like this before.'

"You don't have to act so strong." Toh trails off. "I know you don't like violence and how you get after a fight."

It takes her a moment to understand what he is talking about. Is that why he followed her? Because he knows that she blames herself after each fight? Why does this person treat her so well?

She has many friends who are good to her, but Toh takes it to a completely different level. This is strange. She didn't think they would get this close to each other.

'I was interested, but I didn't think this interest would turn into something similar to love.'

"Sumire?" Toh repeated her name as he looked at her, concerned. "Are you fine? Or is this about what happened in the station earlier? I'm sorry about that girl, I haven't met her before earlier, but I know who she is. She always sends me weird fan letters."

Sumire shakes her head. "It doesn't bother me. I am used to those comments."

"You shouldn't be used to it," Toh said as he lightly kissed her lips. "You taste sweet today. Did you eat something?"

"I-I had some of that cake you made last night, this morning." Sumire stammered.

She always feels like a fool whenever he gets close to her like this. No man has ever given her this much attention.

"Did you like it? I can make you some more if you'd like."

"Then, if I do well-" Sumire had to stop herself from talking.

After the show, she has to respond to his feelings. Even though she had resolved herself earlier, she still felt nervous.

"Sure, if there is anything else you would like to eat, just let me know."

"Um, right now, I have a craving for karage.."

Toh blinks and chuckles. "I know a good place. Let's go."

On their way to get food, they stopped by a strangely empty boutique, and Toh took her to the back of the shop. "It's still empty for now, but this is going to be the location of my store."

Sumire's eyes brightened. "You are going to open your own shop?"

"Mm, I saved enough money and bought this place recently. It's in a good location." Toh placed a pink-colored drink with several different colored crystals inside.

"What is this?"

"It's just something I made recently. You like sweet drinks, right? Drink it."

Sumire nodded, and she first crushed the small crystals with a spoon, and hot sauce came out.

"It's like magic."

Toh chuckled. "I'm planning on giving these deserts out on opening day. It's easy to eat and drink. We have a little cafe area too."

Sumire could only continue staring at Toh with bright eyes as he explained his plans for the store. Toh is only four years older than her, but he is already doing so much with his life. He is truly amazing.

She takes a bite. It truly is tasty. She wonders if this person has any flaws at all. He is good at everything.

"What is it? You keep staring at me?"

"Is there anything your bad at?" Sumire asked.

"There is."

There is something he is bad at? But in the month that she has gotten to know him, he has been good at everything.

"Love."

The moment she heard those words, her cheeks turned red, and she kept her head down as she stirred the rest of the drink. He must be doing that on purpose. Her cheeks grew hotter and hotter when she felt his piercing gaze on her. She tried to search for another topic to distract him.

She briefly looked at him and noticed something. There was a leaf in his hair. Sumire extended her hand out to remove the leaf, but even after she removed it, she kept her hands on his hair. Something was soothing about this.

"Your hair is so soft. It feels nice."

"Hmm?" Toh chuckled. "This is a bit random."

It took her a moment to understand what she was doing. She wanted to remove her hands, but it was far too late already.

"Um, have you heard of the saying that people with soft hair and soft hands are gentle in nature? These people tend to understand others' emotions better."

"So, you like my hands too?" Toh summarised.

Suppose she wasn't embarrassed before. She was embarrassed now. Ah, help. What on earth is she doing? Why does she keep doing stupid things in front of Toh?

Sumire moves her hands away, and Toh grabs hold of it. He leans down and gently places kisses on her fingertips. She didn't understand what he was doing, but she allowed him to.

"I received news that the fashion show will resume soon. Can you fit that into your schedule?"

"Ah yes," Sumire said, dumbfounded at the sudden change of subject.

"That's great. I will start a dress rehearsal with the other models at the university soon. Do you want to meet them first?"

Oh, he is being considerate of her even now.

Sumire slowly nodded.

"Then I'll arrange an informal meeting. Most of them already know each other. But there are some newbies. You can all get to know each other first." Toh trailed off and reached out for her hand. "I am not going to lie to you, Sumire. Not everyone in the group is a good person. There will be people there who are like that woman earlier, and many are against you being the muse for the show."

Her gaze softened. "Thank you for worrying about me so much, Toh. I am already causing you a lot of problems, but you haven't abandoned me yet. I am truly thankful."

Ever since she met him, she has slowly been able to build up her confidence. She would never have found the courage to accept the music program if it wasn't for his influence.