Truth

Before Kenji could kiss her however, she hears footsteps approaching. In the next second Kenji is yelping in pain.

Sumire opened her eyes to see someone had grabbed hold of Kenji's wrist. It was an old woman with grey coloured hair, but for somebody old she was incredibly strong. Is this person-

"I-I won't do it again." Kenji said, frightened.

"Do what again? Make a move on something that belongs to my grandson?"

At those words Kenji looked down.

"You never learn your lesson. The other women aside, I cannot let you take this one from him." Mizusa said threateningly.

"I-I understand, I shall leave." Kenji didn't even spare her a second glance before bolting in the direction of the banquet hall.

The woman turned to her with a bright smile. "Now then, do you want to come with me or go back in there?"

"I will go with you."

Mizusa chuckled. "Of course, you seemed uncomfortable. Come this way."

The older woman lead her to a mini lounge area on the second floor. Sumire awkwardly takes a seat on one of the couches, and for the first few minutes didn't speak. She just watched as Mizusa brought over some tea and cups.

"Your tohs grandmother." Sumire suddenly spoke up, hoping to break the silence.

Toh seldom had any photographs in his home, but there were a few hanging around in the house. Those pictures were all taken with his grandmother. Even before she saw the photographs, she already knew who the woman was.

"-and your his new girlfriend." Mizusa said.

"N-not yet." Sumire said nervously. "I--I mean, I came here to find him to..accept his confession."

Mizusa chuckled. "I see. Why don't you relax. There is something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Is this because of our ages...? I know it's weird but--" Sumire actually didn't know how to explain it.

The main reason why she pushed back her changing feelings was this. Her relationship with Sano was beyond strange, he was older than her and their relationship shouldn't have happened.

"You don't have to worry about it."

Sumire looked at him surprised. "I don't?"

If Toh and her get into a relationship now, he would be doing something illegal.

"Yes, society may think it is wrong. But back in my day there were much larger age differences. Well in both your cases, the difference is only two years so I do not think there is much of a difference."

Birth Certificate

Name: Mashima Toh

Birthday: 5th April

Sumire blinked at what Mashima Mizusa just handed over to her. Her gaze focused on the birthday, and the year. Huh? Huh? She looked at the certificate for a few minutes, and traced her fingers over the date.

"This--"

"It's Toh's real birthday." Mizusa clarified.

Eighteen? Only two years older? No, he will turn eighteen next month so right now he is only seventeen.

"Then, why does he think he is twenty?" Sumire wondered.

From the moment they met, he made it clear that he was older than her and they had to have a serious talk about what they were going to do about their relationship.

"There was an accident that took the lives of his parents. Toh was the only survivor. However, he was only young. He wandered off from the plane. His body wasn't among the deceased and we found footsteps in the forest."

Sumire frowned. He must have been very young. Young, and confused. Their situation is different and yet he must have similar feelings to her.

"The old him is supposed to be 'dead.' When his savior found him, they forged a new identity. Toh seemed to remember his name so they kept that."

His saviour huh? Toh briefly mentioned it to her before but he didn't give her many details.

"This savior," Sumire repeated and she watched the older woman's gaze turned dark. "-I won't ask who he is. But, I just want to know. Is he on Toh's side?"

"Yes."

"Then that is all I need to know."

As long as this person doesn't want to hurt Toh. They spoke for a few minutes about random topics, and her feelings towards Toh. Sumire felt very embarrassed explaining how they got closer.

..

She had only been walking in the corridor for a few minutes, before somebody dragged her inside a room. Sumire isn't afraid, she knew who it was immediately. Sure enough when the lights flicked on, she saw Toh.

Toh had her backed against the wall, and started to kiss her deeply. She allowed him, and after kissing for a few minutes Toh let's her go. She sighed regretfully, why did he stop? She enjoyed the feeling of his lips on hers a bit too much.

"Toh, your drunk." Sumire pointed out. "Didn't you tell me that you didn't like drinking?"

"I've missed you."

Sensing his sincere tone, Sumire felt her heart turn warm and fuzzy. This man doesn't just like her. He is in love with her. Since when? She wonders when did his feelings change. Initially didn't he only find her behaviour fascinating? How did it end up like this?

"M--me too." Sumire managed to reply.

Toh's gaze is gentle. "Did you come here just to see me?"

"I wanted to give you your answer." Sumire decided to get straight to the point.

He looked at her surprised. "Your answer?"

"To your confession?"

He seemed very surprised and then backed away. "I didn't think-"

"Am I not allowed to answer you?" Sumire said hurt at his reaction.

Why did he suddenly move away from her? Why does he look so stunned? Didn't she already promise to give him a reply after her show?

"You are but, I have been thinking it through. I can't cope with the thought of you refusing me. So, I decided maybe our current relationship isn't bad."

Sumire looked at him dumbfounded and frowned. What crazy nonsense is he saying? Here she is summoning what little courage she has to give him a favourable reply, and now he is behaving like this towards her. Unbelievable, before Sumire could get mad at him she sees the expression on his face, on his eyes.

For the first time Toh seemed genuinely confused. He was searching for something in her eyes, something that would confirm a positive response. But it is only natural for him to not find it, she isn't sure if she 'loves him' just yet.

She takes a deep breath and bravely closes the distance between them again, and this time she is the one who kisses him. Toh was trying to pull away to say something but she didn't allow him. It was only when they hear knocking on the door when she allowed him to go.

Toh didn't get a chance to say anything since one of the staff members entered.

"Toh-sama, you must return to the banquet. Miss Kira is waiting for you."

"Tsk." Toh turned to her and placed some keys on her palm. "My car is outside, in the parking lot. Wait for me okay?"

Sumire nodded. She didn't know how she got into the car, but she immediately unlocked it with the keys Toh gave her.

'To think I was the one who made the move. There must be something wrong with me tonight

She is only waiting in the car for a few minutes when Toh solids into the driver seat.

He leaned forward and kissed her deeply. "I think I understand now, you want to date me?"

Sumire slowly nodded and she saw his lips curve to a smile. "Alright."

The rest of the car journey was silent and Sumire avoided making eye contact with him. She was still trying to process everything that happened. His response just now, is that all? Does that mean they are going out with each other now?

*Unedited*