Focus

At Toh's house.

Toh insisted that she bathed first, and after she finished, Toh went in next. Sumire sat on the bed nervously as she dried her hair and scrolled through her phone. Surprisingly, nobody was mentioning the blunder she made. In fact most of the headlines were talking about angel like her voice sounded. Her earlier blunder seemed to have been covered up by 'the staff got the song track wrong, and the song was changed last minute.'

It was a flimsy excuse, people saw that she was okay during rehearsal yesterday. But it seemed like people were too focused on her voice. In the end, only the strong can survive in this industry. She managed to impress people with her powerful vocals, and that was more than enough to cover up her mistake.

She scrolled the news carefully and was thankful nobody was bashing Ru. In the end he is a normal civilian, the media can casually mention him. But they cannot write details, otherwise they will get in trouble.

After she finished drying her hair, she tosses the hairdryer to the side and slumped on the bed. She tossed and turned, lost in her own thoughts.

She actually sang in front of people, a large number of people. So, it's not impossible for her after all? Sumire thought with her stage fright and fear of people, the road to her dream would be difficult. But, it seems like she can do it.

Sumire checked her messages, there were several from her friends congratulating her but there was none from Yuhi. He must have understood after watching her. It's better this way.

Right now the two of them cannot be together, if they continue behaving like this. They will abandon their dreams just to stand by each other's sides. If this was a novel or a movie, it would be very romantic. But it's not, they can't just drop their responsibilities to be with each other.

From: Mamoru

In the hospital now, and was given quite an earful. It's good that your not dating this guy anymore, when he nags he is very loud.

Sumire giggled. It seems he is cheerful now.

From: Mamoru

Hospital food is so bland, please send over another boxed lunch soon. Or I will die.

From: Sumire

Is there anything you'd like to eat?

From: Mamoru

Normally I'd say I will leave it up to the chef. But, I used up a lot of energy just now. Please make it something filling.

Sumire bit her lip as she recalled the condition he was in. She truly wants to ask him for the details. It must be something life threatening and that is why he is hiding it from her.

From: Sumire

I understand. Are you going to sleep soon Ru? I think you should sleep.

From: Mamoru

The same goes for you Ki. You must be tired.

From: Sumire

I'm too busy reading the news, I want to make sure nobody said anything about you.

From: Mamoru

Uh sorry about that. I know you have been doing your best to keep me hidden from the media.

From: Sumire

It's okay, the fact that we managed to hide it this long is already enough. Later on I will release the news that your my friend but your a normal civilian, so they cannot comment any further.

From: Mamoru

Truly sorry about that. But when I saw you in that condition, I had to do something.

From: Sumire

I know, thank you. Was..was Yuhi really there?

From: Mamoru

I found him talking with Aki-san. I didn't get a chance to speak to him since I had to get to you fast.

From: Sumire

Can you..can you make sure he is okay?

From: Mamoru

You don't have to worry, I am sure he respects your choice and heard your feelings loud and clear.

From: Sumire

Then Ru, I will make sure to visit you tomorrow. So err..San-Sano-

From: Mamoru

I will make sure he isn't around. Relax and get some sleep.

Sumire was half way writing the next message when someone takes her phone from her hands. She raised her head, only to see that Toh had finished showering.

He didn't say anything, but places her phone in the drawer. Sumire watched was he walked over to a closest in the corner. There were dozens of wine bottles lined up on the shelves in the wall. For somebody who says he doesn't drink much, he sure has quite the collection.

Sumire didn't understand why people drank. Different cultures have different rules towards drinking. In Japan, the drinking culture is strong. But she still didn't get it. Right now she is underage, but when she gets older and continues being in this industry. She will eventually have no choice but to drink for events.

Her thoughts break off when Toh places the bottle of wine on the bedside table, and sits down on the bed with her.

"Toh?" Sumire decides to break the silence.

"Sorry for not being there sooner. Are you okay?"

"Yes, Ru helped me."

'Where were you? I want to ask.' But, does she even have the right to interfere in his business? As she was thinking this, she sees Toh looking at her with a worried gaze. There is no use lying in front of him, even if she says she is okay. She cannot trick him.

Sumire takes a deep breath before saying. "I wanted you to be there."

"You're upset with me."

"A little."

"I was with my boss. I told you didn't I? That I'm indebted to someone."

Yes, he did. But, she wants to know. Is his boss a woman? If it's another female, she will be even more upset. Her thoughts break off when Toh kisses her again.

"It's a man by the way, my boss."

It takes her a moment to understand,and she felt her face heat up. Is she truly that transparent? Then again, Toh is a psychologist. It wouldn't be hard for him to read people's thoughts based on their facial expression.

"For someone who claims not to be in love with me, you sure do get jealous easily." Toh said amused.

"G--good night." Sumire immediately pulled the blanks over her body so she couldn't see his face.

It's not like she is jealous, she just doesn't like the idea of Toh being with another woman when he is supposed to be focusing on her right now.

*Unedited*