203 Mystery solved

Three days later. Wednesday 30th March

The next three days surprisingly went by faster than normal. She thought being around a stranger would make time pass by slower, but the more they spoke, the more topics she realised they had in common.

Arata was a lot like her, and while some of their opinions clashed. He listened and didn't dismiss her. It's weird being around somebody who

Occasionally they would spar and test out each other's abilities.

She isn't stupid however to think that Arata has revealed everything.

For the past few minutes since she returned with Toh to his apartment, he didn't say anything to her and simply shoved her into the bathroom. Sumire knew he was angry, so she didn't question him and simply discarded her dirty clothes onto the ground.

Clothes filled with dirt and blood. Sumire sighed deeply. She actually liked those clothes.

She climbed inside the tub that was already filled with warm water.

Contrary to Toh's claim of living a solidarity life style, occasionally she would see somebody who looked like a butler. If Toh spent the past three days searching for her, then he probably wasn't the one who warmed the water.

'I should have invited him to join me. He was covered in dirt, sweat and blood too.'

Sumire felt her cheeks turn warm and she shakes her head. Even if they are dating, she can't do something that shameless. They may have slept together before, but she still doesn't understand acts of affection very well.

'I shouldn't rush. We just started dating.'

There will be plenty of time to decide how far this relationship will go. Now that she knows his real age she feels less guilty about what happened between them previously. It may have happened when she was in an emotional state, but, it's not a mistake. She won't pretend that it didn't happen.

A month ago she was still worried about it, but her mind is calmer now. Toh has truly been doing a good job helping her. There are days where she can sleep peacefully. She wonders why he would do so much for her.

Even if he likes her, the reality is they haven't known each other for that long. Can love truly blossom when they have only known each other for two months?

Perhaps she shouldn't have accepted his confession. There is no doubt that even if she turned him down, Toh would have still remained by her side. But, even though she knew that. It didn't erase the fear that she would loose someone again.

'Toh is a good guy. He may have done that terrible stuff before, but he was always the only one who actively helped the victims. The innocent people who got dragged into our fights.'

Recalling Arata's words, Sumire sighed. A good guy huh? Truthfully, she already understood that. No matter what she learns about Toh. She can safely say that he is a good person. But, just being a good person isn't enough.

If that was all she needed, then she didn't have to choose Toh.

Images of the previous confessions she received appeared in her head and she sighed again.

Her initial shock to those previous confessions had more to do with her not understanding why, and how they fell for her. How could they like something like her? It doesn't make any sense.

Sumire's gaze fell on the wound on her leg that had now turned purple. It was infected. She knew she would have to deal with it soon, but she wanted to do so without Toh noticing. After she finishes bathing, there is no doubt they will have to have a important conversation.

The longer she stared at the bruise, the more her vision turned blurry. Sumire rubbed her eyes, seeing the colour of the water change. Red, the now clear water had turned red and she could hear the sound of approaching footsteps.

The sound of something being devoured.

Red stained eyes, and a black cloak.

Sumire shakes her head and stands up. She didn't care if she hadn't finished cleaning herself. If she stayed here alone a minute longer, 'I may start to see things again.'

She picked up the towel, quickly dried her hair as much as she could and slipped on the bathrobe.

"Toh, I'm finished-"

No reply. Sumire peeked her head out of the door, and the minute she did she comes face to face with Toh.

Sumire isn't surprised when he kisses her. Since earlier, it felt like he was holding back so many different emotions.

"I didn't realise how small your mouth was before." Toh muttered.

"H-hold on." Sumire mustered the strength to push him away. She takes a deep breath and looks at him directly. "What's wrong with you?"

"There is nothing wrong."

"Then your injuries--"

"It doesn't hurt. Tsueno moved the rubble away with his power. So I didn't sustain any fatal injuries."

But, that means he still got hurt. Sumire extended her hand out and caressed his cheeks. She could spot several cuts and a large one on his forehead. That must have been caused by the rubble.

Three entire days, while the others got out on the first day. It seemed Toh stayed to search for her. So, he didn't get a chance to tend to his injuries.

She led him over to the couch and takes out the med kit.

"Why did you push me away?"

Toh laughed. "Isn't that a stupid question?"

"If you saw Ru's power, you must understand. He would have moved me away. So, you didn't have to do that."

"Is it wrong for me to protect my girlfriend?"

Sumire sighed. "Your friend told me something about you. Toh, you were a terrorist?"

"That blabbermouth." Toh said annoyed.

"So, it's true?"

"It's true."

"I see. I always thought there was something off about you. But, this solves the mystery."

'It's because he has seen a similar darkness to her, and that's why-'

Seeing him get closer to her, Sumire sighed.

"If we're going to kiss again, we should do so after treating these wounds. It ruins your handsome face."

"This is the first time you've complimented my appearance."

"Then, maybe I should say it more?" It didn't come out as brave as she wanted it. Moreover, she knew Toh wasn't in a teasing or flirting mood.

There was a look in his eyes, one she had seen before in San. A predator that is about to corner it's prey. But, unlike when she saw it in Toh's eyes. She had a feeling that Toh was still in control. He wouldn't ever do anything that would hurt her.

*UNEDITED*