Excuses

At Rouge Hotel, Star Town.

Toh was currently in the break room. He finally managed to break away just a few minutes ago.

Another ball, followed by random 'meet ups with different women.' This was his first time receiving such unusual orders from the boss. But Toh didn't question it. There was no need to. These meetups weren't dates, just keeping them company to gatherings like this. Quite some time has passed since he last went to these events too. He has been focusing on his brand and incorporating all the knowledge he gained from abroad into his shop.

'I can't say I miss attending these.'

If he had been adopted into a normal family, he wouldn't experience such luxuries and perhaps his road to being a designer would have been more difficult. But, sometimes he wonders what it would be like to belong to a normal family.

He loosened his tie and walked towards the large double glazed windows staring at all the flickering lights. He wonders what she is doing right now. Aside from visiting the hospital, Sumire would have gone home wouldn't she? Toh paused at the word home. Would she take this opportunity to return to her home instead of going back to his?

He knew the girl has been wanting to return. If it wasn't for Arata's threat, she may have actually gone back already. No, she almost did. Toh didn't like the idea of her staying by herself, when there is a blood thirsty terriorist after her life.

Arata said that Sumire was like him, and that the girl would surely respond to his challenge. Toh observed the girls reaction when Tachibana was warning her, and briefly saw the same glint he had seen in Arata's eyes. She also wants to fight him.

'I have seen her fight already, and I know how strong she is.' He will encourage her to fight anybody else but Arata and the boss. Those are the two people, he wants to keep her safe from.

He wonders if she tried to count. Toh takes his phone out of his pocket, and confirms there was a message from Sumire. There was only two. One from this morning, and another that was sent twenty minutes ago.

From: Sumire

Good morning Toh.

Thank you for the food!

I will be heading to the hospital to see Ru in a bit.

I hope you have a good day.

Ps: There is something I want to discuss with you, but it's better if I say it face to face.

Toh paused at the last part of the message. Something she wants to discuss with him, and she can only do so in person? Maybe she does want to move out. It's only natural for her to want to leave. The two of them are not dating, he has no right to keep her in his home.

How many more excuses does he need to come up with to keep her by his side?

From: Sumire

I'm heading home now.

Toh's gaze fell on the clock. It's late, he didn't think she would stay there all day. But, he likes how she is calling his place 'home.'

He quickly called her and she picked up immediately.

"Toh!" Sumire said happily.

He has always liked the way she said his name. It felt different. The tense feeling he felt from minutes ago vanished. Just hearing her voice is enough to lift his gloomy mood.

"Hey, are you walking?"

"Mm."

Toh frowned. "I think you should get a cab. The streets are dangerous at night."

'Arata could be lurking around the corner.' Toh stopped himself from saying that. Sumire's friends, no Tachibana Masaru in particular is very suspicious of him already. If he were to admit that he knew the name of the guy targeting Sumire, then he would be suspected more.

He needs to be careful. If they find out he is a member of Lucifer's organisation, then he will no longer be able to see her. That thought frightened him more than not being able to lead a normal life anymore.

Sumire laughed. "I'm strong, I'll be okay."

"Why are you whispering?" Toh noticed her tone was unusually low.

"Um, actually. Some people are following me so I'm hiding in an alleyway." Sumire admitted.

Toh's gaze dimmed. Is it Arata? No, if it was Arata. He wouldn't let her run or hide. He would attack her directly. If it isn't Arata, then there is nothing to worry about. In his mind she is safe fighting against others. His shoulders relaxed.

"Talk with me until they go away?" Toh suggested.

He knew he didn't have long to speak with her. He has already been gone for a few minutes now. It won't take some long to realise this, and drag him back into the hall.

"En." Sumire said cheerfully.

Sumire talks about how her day went, and how before seeing Tsueno she practiced the recipes he taught her.

"Surprisingly it went very well. Toh the notes you left are very helpful."

'It's more like, I have noticed how much of a quick learner she is. It must be due to her strong memory. But it helps that I don't need to repeat things to her and she just knows.'

"If you look up some other recipes online. I can teach you."

"Really? Because there are some other things I'd like to make. But the instructions online are hard to follow."

"That's fine, just write a list."

After chatting peacefully for a few minutes, Sumire mumbles. "I think they have gone now."

"Be careful." Toh advised. "I thought you'd fight them, why were you hiding?"

"I just performed not too long ago, so the media's attention is on me right now. If I get into a fight here, I may end up photographed so I have to be very careful."

So she is even considering these factors now. She truly is interesting. Most people who belong to the underworld don't use their brains, and talk using their fists more. But Sumire doesn't get into a fight recklessly without considering what the consequences will be.

"Sumire." Toh hears a male voice call out.

"San?"

"Let me take you home."

"What about your fever?" Sumire asked.

"It's gone down."

Toh paused hearing the conversation. Is that her ex boyfriend? Of course they would meet again if she went to the hospital. But to think they would end up on speaking terms. Something must have happened between them.

*Unedited*