138 Nothing more I can say

Sumire's gaze softened, hearing his words.

"Thank you. I didn't get a chance to thank you for the other day because Masato was there. But you steered the conversation in a direction that would get me to admit my feelings. Had you not done that, I don't think Masato would have understood. Or even Toh."

Masaru's lips curve to a smile. "Now you know how sweet I am towards you."

Sumire rolled her eyes. "Oh please, I saw the way you were looking at Toh. I was worried that you would start a fight."

"It's hard to accept, after all."

'-hard to accept that somebody touched you.' It was almost like Sumire understood since she sighed.

"I am considering Toh," Sumire mumbled. "Right now, I have a hard time understanding my own feelings after everything that has happened. But, he is very good to me."

Many other guys are good to the lady and have feelings for her. The main reason why Sumire is considering Mashima Toh is because that guy, unlike the rest, is somebody new. He is somebody who doesn't belong to her inner circle. Somebody who doesn't know her well enough.

"If that is the case, then there is nothing more I can say."

"It's surprising," Sumire muttered. "That you are simply leaving it at this."

"Why is it surprising?"

"Because you previously chased away all the other guys."

Masaru chuckles. "So you noticed?"

"It's not like I was attached to them, so it doesn't matter what you do," Sumire said coldly.

Masaru whistles. "Then what about Mashima Toh?"

"He is different. So, if you do anything, I will get angry."

Different huh? Masaru scanned her expression. Truthfully he doesn't mind her getting into a relationship now. He was the one who suggested it. However, he thought her next choice would be Mamoru. Unlike her awkwardness with Daiki, it is different with Mamoru.

Mamoru confessed to her not too long ago, yet she still treats Mamoru normally. That has to count for something.

'I need to watch over this situation a bit more.'

Masaru reaches over and pats her hair, and Sumire pouts and sighs.

"You always treat me like a kid."

"Now, now you're my cute junior. Were you practicing your dance? Let big brother help."

"Oh? Now your talking. I will take it if it's a free lesson from you."

Masaru watches as Sumire switches on the music and starts dancing. Her movements are still a bit clumsy, but she has gotten a lot better in such a short time. It won't be long before this girl has no weaknesses.

She looks so graceful when she dances. Sumire may deny her royal blood, but the blood of an elite family runs in her veins.

She is only dancing, and yet she is oozing with grace and elegance.

The harder a person tries to deny something, the stronger it shows.

...…..

At Nagawa General Hospital.

Masaru visits Mamoru in the hospital. He wanted to have a serious talk about Mashima Toh. Mamoru must know something, or maybe he holds the same suspicions of Mashima being a member of the black Alice organization.

It did not take long before he arrived in the room. Mamoru was placed in a private ward.

"Hey," Mamoru said with his signature grin. "I didn't think I'd get a visit from you."

"I am surprised to see you in a private ward. Did you bribe the doctors, or did the lady use her connections for once?" Masaru joked.

He knew both theories were unlikely, especially the latter. Sumire disliked anything to do with the elite circle. She dislikes the rich. Had her parents continued to live, she would have most likely continued to suffer silently in the elite circle.

Right now, she has her freedom, but at what expense? The death of her parents and her home burnt to the ground?

Mamoru laughs. "I have a friend who works here." He trails off, seeing the bag in his hands. "Did you visit Ki?"

"Yes, she was practicing at the station today." Masaru placed the bag on Mamoru's lap.

Mamoru immediately opened it and laughed again. "She probably made food for me but forgot about herself."

"It seems like it." Masaru trailed off. "You don't mind eating that?"

"She has gotten better. It seems like Mashima has been teaching her, and even before then, she has been working hard on cooking."

The lady is probably working hard to improve her cooking skills for Mamoru's sake. Mamoru doesn't live a healthy lifestyle after all. She has probably taken on the full responsibility of looking after Mamoru.

"How long will you be staying here?" Masaru asked.

He had to stop himself from saying, 'how much longer does the lady have to live with Mashima Toh?'

"Two weeks, well, a week and a bit now since I have been here for a few days."

Masaru's eyes widened upon hearing those words. "I am surprised that you are staying that long. No matter how much I tried to persuade you before, you didn't budge."

"This time, I collapsed in a place that had loads of people and ended up admitted here. I have no choice."

Did he collapse in a place that had loads of people? It is unlike Mamoru to let his guard down like that. It must mean his condition has worsened, and he can't hide it properly anymore.

Any normal doctor would have ensured that he is permanently hospitalized until his life is no longer in danger, friend or not. But Mamoru has always had a way with words.

"You need to tell her," Masaru said.

"I won't."

"Mamoru, do not be stubborn. Sumire won't be able to cope with the news if you tell her later on when your condition is worse. Tell her now while you are still in the early stages."

Actually, if he is having a hard time hiding it, it's most-likely not in the early stages anymore.

Before Masaru could say anymore, Mamoru's phone started to ring.

"Ru!" A bright voice fills the room. "Did you get the bento? Oh, your eating right now! That's good. I know how bad hospital food is."

Mamoru's gaze is incredibly gentle and sweet. "If you're not careful. I won't be able to live without your food."

Sumire chuckled. "You're praising me too much. Not too long ago, you wouldn't eat anything I make."

Masaru decides to take his leave then. It wouldn't be right to disturb the two. He quickly says his goodbyes and exits the room.

Mamoru's complexion looks very pale. It's no wonder he collapsed and no wonder why he is staying put in the hospital. If he continues in that condition, then his life- Masaru shakes his head. He doesn't even want to imagine that.

'I wanted to ask him about Mashima, but I suppose it can wait for now.'