Our relationship

Staring at the hotel in shock, Sumire looked dumbfounded. But Toh led her inside. He said a few words to the reception, and got given some golden coloured keys. She was still in shock even during the ride on the elevator and even when they reached the room.

"Let's stay here tonight." Toh loosened his tie and tossed it aside.

"Um, right but--" Sumire trailed off confused. "Just now they called you Master Toh?"

Despite her dazed state, Sumire was still paying attention to her surroundings. She noticed the unusual behavior of the staff members the minute they stepped into the lounge.

"This is my grandma's hotel. She owns a hotel chain." Toh explained.

Toh's 'family' is wealthier than she thought. It shouldn't surprise her, since Toh's home is in a wealthy area, and everything in his house is expensive. But, he has more connections than she originally thought.

"I-I see."

But why are they here? Her thoughts break off when Toh suddenly leaned forward, and fiddles with the strap of her dress.

"T--toh?" Sumire said startled.

"I thought you'd like it better if we did it in a more romantic location." Toh explained.

It takes her a few extra seconds to process those words. Are they going to..? Sumire felt even more nervous.

"Hold on, shouldn't- I mean our ages."

It was a dumb excuse after she just learned that their ages were similar. But, he isn't supposed to know that.

Toh didn't show any signs of moving, in fact he closed the remaining distance between them and leaned forward.

"Didn't you just speak with my grandmother?"

Sumire blinked immediately understanding. "H-huh, wait, you-you know?" Sumire said dumbfounded.

"Why do you think I am making a move on you now?"

Uh, Sumire didn't know what to say. She just learned his actual age a few minutes ago. How long has he known? When they first met, he was still talking about their age difference and taking responsibility.

"When did you find out?"

"Not too long ago, maybe a week or so ago."

But that, in that time frame they have gotten closer. Is this the reason why he gives her more kisses? Sumire was having a hard time processing all this information. It seems Toh understood since he moved away, and slumped on the bed beside her.

"I didn't think I would see you here. Did you get an invite?"

"Ah, Masato gave me his."

"I see. Sorry, I couldn't go to you right away. I noticed you a while ago. You were attracting a lot of attention.."

"Oh, it's okay." Sumire mumbled nervously..

She was still nervous. It didn't help how Toh was fiddling with her hair and kissing different strands.

"Our relationship from now on will be very different. Unfortunately, since I am still twenty in the eyes of the general public, we have to keep it a secret. Do you mind that?"

"Ah, actually I was thinking the same."

"Because of your career?"

There is that and she recalled Sano's behavior, if that guy finds out. She doesn't know what he will do. Sumire slowly nodded.

"I see."

Toh is quiet for a minute. "Why don't you lay down? You must be exhausted."

"Uh, I'm fine."

If she lays down won't he try something? To her surprise Toh suddenly pulled her down, so she was laying on his chest. Sumire felt her cheeks turn hot and her heartbeat sped up. This isn't the first time, they have slept side by side. But, tonight it was different.

She just accepted his confession. 'My feelings, I still don't understand it very well. But, I do want to be together. Is that enough for now?' Her thoughts break off when she feels Toh caressing her hair and back.

"Are you okay? All those people surrounded you."

Sumire blinked, finally realizing why he wasn't doing anything to her. How can a person be so kind?

"It's alright, your grandmother helped me."

Just as she was about to have a breakdown, she was pulled away. Sumire paused. Should she talk about Akira Kenji? She doesn't understand what their relationship was.

Toh frowned. "I will talk to Kenji. I can't stand him being near you."

Sumire giggled when she saw how furious he was. Toh is normally so calm. It is rare for him to get angry. But, she has seen his angry side only when it is something that hurts her.

"This is serious, don't laugh. That guy has made it clear that you're his target, he won't give up."

"I think you're forgetting Mr psychologist, that I am the strongest member of the underworld right now. Nobody can harm me."

He can't even drug her successfully because she received the drug immunity training. No matter what Kenji does, she will be ready for him.

Toh sighed. "It's that unusual confidence that gets you in trouble. Your so confident when it comes to the underworld, but other matters-"

"I-I am working on it!" Sumire said bravely.

At those words Toh gently kisses her forehead. "I know you are, you don't have to push yourself though. You don't have to do anything you're not ready for."

Sumire immediately understood the meaning behind his words. "I thought you brought me here too-"

"I did." Toh nodded. "However, do you not remember what I said when we first met? I will never do anything that you are not ready for."

Indeed, and ever since she started staying over at his place. Toh has repeatedly reassured her whenever he saw how nervous she became.

"I know you aren't ready yet. I can tell just by looking at you, that coming here and replying to me is already a big deal for you. So, I don't expect you to do anything."

"But then why did we-" Sumire didn't understand why they came here.

"My house is too far, and you're clearly exhausted mentally and physically." Toh explained.

"Oh."

Toh kisses her lips lightly. "Why don't we sleep for now? We can talk more tomorrow."

Sumire slowly nodded her head and eventually got comfortable in Toh's arms. It didn't take long before she drifted off, feeling the most relaxed she has been in days.

*Unedited*