163 Since we met

The following morning. Sunday 12th March,

Sumire's gaze fell on the man still fast asleep beside her. She scans their surroundings briefly. Right, she went to the party to find him and he brought her to his grandma's hospital. Afterwards they kissed and -- she frantically shook her head. Snap out of it Ibuki Sumire.

Mornings are for regrets. 'What was I thinking? Why did I chase after him like that? I could have waited until he returned home.'

But, if she didn't do this. She would have lost the courage to ever answer. Toh has been very patient with her, but Sumire felt that if she continued evading his feelings, he would eventually get tired of her. She didn't want to risk it, even if it meant rushing.

'Whether I am actually ready for this relationship doesn't matter, I cannot continue this way.'

She hesitantly extended her hand out and plays with his hair. When he is sleeping he certainly looks childish. She is now starting to see signs of him being younger. There were previous times where she suspected something was off, but she didn't question it.

When they had gotten a bit closer, Toh explained more about him being an orphan and how he came to live with Mashima Mizusa. Of course she noticed that there were a few parts that he omitted. But, Sumire knew better than to pry too deeply.

She won't pressure him to say anything he doesn't want to. Just like he has been doing with her, she will be patient. If he wants to discuss it in more detail with the omitted parts he will do so.

Ever since she met Toh, she has discovered that she can actually be a patient person.

Her thoughts break off when Toh suddenly stirred awake, she immediately removed her hand embarrassed. Sumire didn't get a chance to look away since Toh cupped her cheeks and leaned forward, nuzzling his forehead against hers.

"Morning."

"Morn-" Sumire bit her tongue and yelped. Toh blinked and laughed. "G-good morning." She finally managed to say.

"Yeah."

This is so weird, she feels so happy. For the first time in a long time she is having such a joyful and peaceful morning. A morning where she doesn't wake up and hearing those voices.

"What are your plans for today?" Toh asked.

"Ru is going to be discharged today."

Yesterday, Sano sent her a message informing her that Ru would be discharged today. That's why she summoned her courage to accept Toh's confession. Knowing that she would soon have to stop living with him.

"Are you going to go home then?"

Sumire nodded.

"I see, even though you just became my girlfriend."

"I--I will visit often...if I'm allowed to." Sumire mumbled nervously.

"Of course you can." Toh kisses her cheek, and then her neck line.

Sumire shuddered. "Toh-"

"I'll find you something to wear, stay here." With those words said, Toh quickly gets changed. She had to stop herself from staring, and hears him chuckle a few times before exiting the room.

Even after he left, Sumire felt her heart pounding loudly.

'I think I just did something amazing. My heart keeps beating fast.'

But, this is the right thing to do. Neither of them could continue that way for long. A vague and uncertain relationship, where they couldn't even call each other friends. This is for the best, isn't it, Yuhi?

.....

At Nagawa General Hospital.

They headed back to Toh's home, packed her belongings and headed straight for the hospital. So she and Ru could go home together. Toh was quiet in the car, he seemed to be in deep thought about something so Sumire decided not to disturb him. It didn't take long before they saw the familiar hospital.

Toh said he would take care of the discharge papers in the reception, she thanked him and went to Ru's room. The minute she stepped inside, Ru had just finished wiping his mouth with a cloth. Sumire immediately understood.

After she decided to accept Toh's confession, Sumire also decided to return home. Ru will need more care and attention than before. She can't stay with Toh.

Sumire greeted him with a smile, suppressing her feelings. "Are you ready to go home?

"Ki." Mamoru said brightly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Where is Mashima?"

"He went to get your discharge papers and medicine. He will be dropping us home."

"We?" Mamoru said.

"Um, I decided to go back too."

Mamoru frowned. "Ki, you don't have to-"

Sumire shakes her head. "Actually I just uh accepted his confession, and I feel very nervous. Living with him right now would only make me a blunder of nerves." She frantically explained.

Ru looked at her suspiciously for a few minutes before nodding. "So, you two are dating now?"

"I think so?" Sumire still hadn't processed what happened last night properly yet. She still felt very overwhelmed.

Her thoughts break off when Ru grabbed hold of her hands and smiled at her gently. "I am relieved, I am sure he will take care of you."

Sumire was paying more attention to his pale face. He still looks very sick. She should contact that doctor Sano recommended.

"Let's go to the car?" Sumire takes his hand.

Mamoru nodded and they exit the room. Ru didn't bring much with him, and everything fit in a single back pack. Naturally she took that from him.

Maybe they can go to a hospital in another city? She can get some advice from that doctor, Sano recommended. But Ru needs to be hospitalised. He looks better than he did before so the treatment here must be working.

It's not an incurable disease, Ru will be fine. But if they stop his treatment now, won't he get worse again?

"How did you confess?" Mamoru asked snapping her out of her daze.

"Oh, uh." Sumire slowly began to explain the events of yesterday.

Mamoru frowned. "Are you okay? There must have been so many people."

"I am okay. Um, Toh's Grandmother helped me." Sumire paused and mentioned what happened with Kenji.

"Akira Kenji huh? I do know who he is."

"You do?"

"Recently, he has been trying to infiltrate the underworld." Mamoru trails off. "If you ask Aki, I am sure he will tell you more details."

Sumire frowned. Why can't he talk to her about it? She would have pried more, but seeing his pale face and hearing his unsteady breathing. She takes out a sandwich from her bag and passed it to him.

"Eat something. Toh got your medicine, so drink it in the car."

Mamoru's eyes lit up seeing the sandwich as he spoke about how much better her cooking skills was.

*Unedited*