209 Your very honest

Four hours later, Toh finds himself in the school grounds. There was no need for him to sneak in. Since Sumire agreed to be one of his models for the fashion show. He already obtained a permit, just in case he ever needed to get her in the middle of class. Of course, she didn't know about it.

He found the girl sitting on the benches at the back of the main school building. Sumire greets him with a small kiss on his cheek. His lips curved amused.

"Is that all?"

This is already enough progress from her. He knew how she felt towards public displays of affection. So for her to do this much now, must mean she is slowly starting to trust him.

Or perhaps she is acting on her curiosity since he gave her permission?

"Uh," She covered her mouth and laughed. "For now?"

"For now." He agreed with a smirk. "But, remember what you agreed too. Remember our lessons."

Sumire rolled her eyes. "I do remember my lessons, you said you'd teach me to sew, and walk on the runway. But you haven't done much of that recently."

"Relax, you'll be a natural."

"No, no I need to practice. Nao says I'm clumsy, and I can't disagree. I do lose my balance a lot."

Senbi Nao, that's her childhood friend. They haven't formally met yet, but he knew it would be a matter of time. From what he has learned so far, he appears to be the aggressive and overprotective type.

Sumire sighed and rested her head on his shoulders. "It's exhausting though. Aki-san has me doing overtime after my little stunt in the manor. How was I supposed to know I wasn't allowed to break anything?"

"Kicking down a wall in the hidden tunnel is worth scolding?"

"Apparently, the damage costs go to us." Sum ire mumbled. "Isn't it obvious they just want an excuse to export us for money? They clearly had no idea about that tunnel before. If they did, they wouldn't have hired us for the job."

"But the job is done now, correct?"

"Yes. There is still the matter of the funeral, but we have had their bodies moved, identified and cleaned up."

He knew she stopped herself from saying

'what was left of their bodies anyway.'

"I think we work well together. Do you mind joining me for my next job too?" Sumire asked.

"Sure." Toh caressed her hair. "I'll promise not to lose control."

Sumire laughed. "I actually don't mind that side of you."

"You don't?"

"Mm, I think it makes you look cool."

For a second he thinks it's a compliment but remembers who the girl is in love with. Remembers what sort of male Terashima Yuhi is.

Toh frowned and changed their positions and cupped the girls cheeks. He mumbled something in her ear, and after she nodded he kissed her.

He could never kiss her without her permission.

Even the other night after they returned from what happened at the manor. He made sure she understood what he wanted to do with her

Kissing Ibuki Sumire is different from kissing other girls. Physically, it may appear to be the same as another girl. But for him, there was something different. Her lips tasted like spring to him.

As a psychologist who has spent more time analysing human behaviour, then understanding his own emotions. Perhaps his fascination and discoveries about Sumire, are normal to others. Perhaps there is nothing special about her, or the taste of her lips.

But, all of that seemed superficial to him.

"Sumire. Is that your friend?" Toh pointed at a red head male

"Ah?" Sumire pulled away frantically. "Did you need something Mikaze-kun?"

The red head didn't say a word, thrust some papers in Sumire's hands before dashing off. Toh hadn't missed his flushed cheeks and rolled his eyes. It seems she isn't the only innocent one in her group of friends. Now he understands why the guys who like her don't act. They must not know what to do about their own emotions, or desires.

They are young, so it's only normal. But, he would assume that most young guys, most high schoolers would be curious.

Toh returned his gaze towards Sumire only to find her looking at the sheets with bright eyes.

"It's just like him to write lyrics like this."

He looked over at the sheet. "Isn't that a love song?"

Sumire laughed. "I think Mikaze-kun is the last person you need to be jealous about."

But it's usually the most unexpected ones, that become more troublesome later on. Toh however kept that information to himself.

"So, they give you lyrics and you write music for them?"

"Not all the time, we usually work on both together. This time around however Mikaze-kun seemed determined to write the lyrics without my help." Sumire paused and sighed. "I think he realised how busy I have been lately, him and the others are being very considerate."

"Do they know about your involvement in the underworld?"

Sumire nodded. "They do since some of them are involved too. But, a few of them have no idea what role I have to play and how involved I am. Mikaze-kun for one, he has never seen me fight and I plan to ensure he never sees that."

"Why?"

"The sight of me covered in blood, fighting like a monster will surely taint the beauty and pure emotions in the songs he writes for me."

Toh blinked and the girl laughed weakly. "I know about his feelings for me. I have known since middle school. He was one of the first ones I figured out, since he wasn't exactly subtle about hiding it."

Yet, she can still remain friends with him? She can still ignore the looks of longing and admiration? It seems he has underestimated her ability in being cold.

Now that he thought about it, Tsueno mentioned it to him on more than one occasion. How Sumire doesn't care about others as much as they do her. How she deliberately puts up a wall between herself and other people. Toh didn't say anything to that and simply placed his hand on top of hers, and gave her knees a gentle squeeze.

Sumire laughs again. "Your too good to me, do you know that?"

"I am?"

"Of course you know." Sumire kissed his cheek. "But, I like that about you. You don't hide anything from me. Your very honest."

So, she likes honesty? That's good to know. He is the type of person who doesn't hesitate to say what he is thinking, and he is confident.

"What else do you like about me? I want to know."

She may like honesty. But Sumire hides what she is thinking most of the time. He doesn't necessarily have to use psychological techniques to get her to talk, but occasionally he would have to. Only for situations where he knew, if he didn't. She would further go down a dark hole.

*Unedited*