With my own hands

With those words said, Mamoru left, and she stared at the spot he was in a few minutes ago. She only snapped out of it when she felt her body being lifted, only to find that Toh was carrying her to the couch.

"Toh?"

Toh lays her down and then gently kisses her forehead. "Do you want to continue what we were doing the other day?"

It takes her a few minutes to understand what he is talking about. She felt her entire face redden, and her heartbeat started to pound loudly.

"Is that a no?" Toh asked, his tone gentle.

This person won't take advantage of her. He is always asking her permission for everything. Is it truly okay to do all this kissing when they aren't in a relationship? Her thoughts break off when Toh caresses her hair. Oh, he is being so kind and attentive toward her.

It's a bit difficult to push him away when he behaves like this.

Sumire extends her hands out and touches his cheek. "Toh, can I ask you something?"

"What do you want to know?"

"Why are you so good to me?" Sumire asked.

Toh sighs deeply. "You've already asked me something similar before, and I am sure I already gave you an answer."

Indeed he did, but she still doesn't understand. A person like her doesn't deserve happiness. She doesn't deserve to be around so many good people. She shudders, feeling Toh's lips on her neck. She truly is hopeless.

'Am I just trying to fill the gap in my heart by using Toh? Can this empty feeling be fulfilled at all?' It will only be temporary. Her emotions have long turned numb.

Toh continued to kiss her gently, and Sumire immediately understood. He is truly good at his job. He can sense her turbulent emotions so easily.

...…

A few hours later.

Toh's home is in a very convenient location. There is a forest in the back of the garden, and it seems like nobody else uses it. Sumire closed her eyes as she threw some knives that landed directly in the center of the tree.

'Since that time, all I have been doing is relaxing in Toh's home. With him watching over me, it's been a bit difficult for her to sneak off.'

However, after memorizing the layout of the house, she finally found a quiet spot where she could train. Unfortunately, she could not use her gun out here. If she uses it, it will cause a loud sound, and not only Toh but the neighbors may overhear.

She threw more knives, and even with her eyes closed, she knew she had hit it. The report Mamoru gave replayed in her mind. The forest behind the Ibuki family manor. She hasn't stepped foot in that place ever since the accident. But, perhaps she will have to go back. This case isn't a simple one.

Moreover, it's obvious she is being targeted. Something, no, someone is calling her back to her former home. She has spent the past few years hiding away, but she can no longer continue to do so.

With her own hands, she has to end it. This blood-stained fate.

______

Tuesday 24th February.

As much as he wanted to continue working from home, unfortunately, he had patients to see, and he had to check on his shop. On his way to the shop, however, he had to drop by another building to see a patient. This patient of his is a member of the entertainment industry. Toh found himself looking around. Now that he thought about it, Sumire mentioned that she had worked in this building. Maybe he will get to see her?

He had only been walking for a few minutes when he spotted brunette hair. She was speaking to a man with indigo-colored hair and laughing.

"I understand. You don't have to feel awkward anymore. I won't be avoiding you."

"Uh, then-"

"I'll check my schedule and tell you when I am free so we can have dinner together."

Toh immediately identified the person she was with. That's Ichiko Daiki. Even someone like him, who isn't too familiar with the industry, knew who he was.

"That reminds me. Mikaze wanted to visit you the other day, but when we dropped by, you weren't home. It was quite late then. Did you have other matters to attend to?"

"Uh," Sumire said awkwardly. "That's right, Aki-san was being unreasonable."

Nobody in the girl's circle seems aware of them living together. If he uses Momoi Futaba and Tsueno Mamoru's behavior as an example, then the other members of her circle must be just as overprotective of her.

He continues to watch them for a few minutes, and the guy eventually leaves. Toh was about to go over to her, but she suddenly headed his way. The moment she got close, she slumped her face in his arms.

'She must have seen me.'

"I'm glad you came. I'm exhausted. I really need a break."

"Am I your break then?" Toh's lips curved into a smile.

When she first started living together with him, she still seemed cautious. But it seems like she is gradually adjusting and is starting to rely on him more.

"Mmm."

"Did you eat yet?" Toh asked as he caressed her hair.

"Ah." Sumire trailed off. "I came here straight away. So I didn't have breakfast. Oh, is it too late for lunch?"

'I wonder if there are any restaurants nearby.' Toh squeezed her hands gently. "I just have to drop something off to a patient. Can you wait for me?"

"Sure!" Sumire said brightly.

His thoughts break off when she suddenly leans forward and plays with his hair. For a moment, he freezes. What is she doing so suddenly?

"Bed hair." Sumire laughed. "I fixed it for you."

"Thank you." Toh managed to get some words out.

With those words said, Toh turned and walked toward a set of stairs.

She does seem happier recently, and she even managed to go to school the other day. She even went to work this morning. Toh understood that Sumire wanted to leave, but he prevented her from doing so.