Did it break?

Toh's circumstances differ from hers, but their mindset on certain topics overlap. The one that stands out is their lack of faith in humanity.

"So, the fact that he remained with you and listened. I think even somebody like Mashima felt your sincerity."

"But, if other people find out-"

"They will judge you and make rude remarks, but don't worry, I do not intend to tell anybody, and Mamoru is the same. We will never do anything that will damage your reputation and hurt you."

"I don't think there is much to salvage of my reputation anyhow. But thank you for encouraging me, Asuka. I was struggling to speak to talk to someone about this. I told Masaru-senpai, but you know what he is like. When I spoke about it with Ru, I felt embarrassed and ashamed."

"It worries me that you have to resort to speaking to guys about this topic. Where did that best friend of yours run off too?"

Sumire laughed. "Right now, she is in France spreading her wings on the runway."

"You should contact her."

She shook her head. "I understand how determined she was when she decided to go to France. It wasn't just to escape the bullying. Futaba wanted to change herself; she wanted to take a step forward and take her dreams to the very next step. As her best friend, I can't hinder her."

"I see." Asuka trailed off. "I know you didn't come to me sooner because you felt like you would be troubling me."

Bullseye, that's correct. Asuka has always been a calm and rational person. She is the best person to discuss the situation with Toh.

Since Futaba left for France, it feels like she doesn't have anybody to discuss her issues with. Asuka is four years older, and she is busy with work. On the other hand, Asahi is busy training to be a professional assassin.

'I only have four close female friends-' Sumire sighed deeply. It's not hard to understand why there are many bad rumors about her in school. With few female companions and always hanging around guys, it's no wonder the other female students misunderstand her.

"However, there are certain topics you cannot discuss with those guys. Such as romance."

Sumire sighed deeply. "Asahi told me something strange recently. She said all the guys in nanairofeather like me, so I have been on my guard around them since then."

"So she finally told you. I suppose she was tired of seeing you being so oblivious."

"It's not like I was completely oblivious," Sumire mumbled.

After all, some of them behaved very obviously. But she wasn't in the best mental state when she met them, so she naturally avoided it.

"Those guys aside, there is one more. Did you notice that one?"

Despite Asuka's vague words, Sumire understood who she was referring to.

Sumire tugged on her friend's sleeve. "-before we came here. Ru confessed to me."

"I see."

"For some reason, I couldn't just tell him, no, so I said that I wanted to think about it."

Asuka's gaze softened. "So, you have done a bit growing up since we last spoke properly. Do you understand? Mamoru is different from the others. I am relieved to hear that you didn't turn him down immediately."

Sumire slowly nodded. "Truthfully, my mind is still a bit of a mess. I wasn't expecting the confession; no, that's not it. Ru's behavior seemed unusual to me for a while now, and I constantly debated whether I should ask him directly. But it felt like something would break if I did."

She didn't want to lose Ru; no matter what happened, she didn't want him to leave her. Sumire felt that if she asked him, then he would leave.

Now that she knows the truth, she is worried that her prediction will come true. No, if she turned him down directly, he probably would have left.

"Did it break?"

Sumire recalled Ru's expression and how he spoke to her even after confessing. "No, nothing broke."

"Then there you have it. I know it's not easy for you to accept other people's kindness and love. But Mamoru has loved you for a long time, so I want you to properly think about it. Even if you cannot return his love, please give him a well-thought-out response."

"I intend to, but," Sumire recalled his shocked expression when she said she would give it some thought. "Why does it feel like he has given up already?"

It feels like he doesn't expect anything from her.

"The ill effects of a one-sided love can do that to a person. Maybe we should check if he is still alive? What if he had a heart attack when you left him?"

"D-don't tease me. His behavior confuses me. Ru is the most supportive of my feelings towards Yuhi. It's just hard to believe that he likes me that much."

"Have you ever heard the saying happiness to the one I love? Mamoru loves you so much that he doesn't care about his own happiness. Actually, you should understand this. Didn't you reject Yuhi so he would pursue his dreams and be happy? You did that at the expense of your own feelings."

Oh, so she and Ru are similar?

"Stay here for tonight. I'll send Mamoru away. I don't think you'll be able to get any sleep with him nearby."

"Thank you, Asuka."

Asuka personally went down and told Ru that she would be staying over. She could hear his frantic voice as he gave Asuka a list of instructions.

Sumire peered through the window, and right at that moment, he looked up. "Ki, will you be okay?"

'He isn't even asking why I am suddenly staying over at Asuka's. It's to dodge him-' She suddenly feels guilty. But she feels restless; she certainly won't get a wink of sleep if she returns with Ru.

"I'll be okay! So I will see you in school tomorrow."

She would like to rest some more, but if she continues being absent from school, her attendance record will suffer. Moreover, she could already hear the gossip people would spread.

The bandages around her head she will ask Atsuro if she can remove them tomorrow. If she wears long sleeves and a top that covers her neck, it will conceal the bandages.

"Ki, goodnight."

Sumire's eyes widened, and she laughed when she heard how loudly he yelled. "Mm, goodnight."