Work on your resistance

After chatting for a few extra minutes, they ended the call. Sumire spotted a purple-colored laptop on the couch and thought about the files Ru had just sent her. It would be better if she could view the information on a larger screen. She paused for a few minutes before she walked over, sat on the couch, and opened the laptop.

This was the laptop Toh got her when she said she wanted to do some work. But Ru wasn't answering his phone, so he couldn't fetch the one she had from home. Right after, she explained how she needed a laptop with no data on it because the files she would be opening would be confidential. Toh goes ahead and buys her a new laptop that arrived on that very day.

He even got it in purple, her favourite color, so she could not refuse.

She immediately logged onto the Holy knight's database, inputted her details, and clicked on the mail from Mamoru.

"Hmmm."

The details are as follows.

{The substance found at the gate is a rare chemical that has not been revealed yet to the public due to the number of failed experiments. Originally the purpose of this chemical was supposed to be a mere sleeping aid, but it ended up as chemicals of a hallucination drug. The scent alone is enough to cause side effects.

The victim, Komami Sasara, age twenty, was kidnapped at roughly around three am. The caretaker heard a scream and saw somebody being carried away by a van. By this point, there were no other students on campus, so Miss Komami was the only one who inhaled the chemical.

While the substance was discovered late, the impacts of the strong scent had already vanished. So, students passing by during those days were not affected. }

Three in the morning, that's quite late. However, it's common for university students to stay behind to use the academy facilities. What was she doing there at the time? Was she truly staying late to work on her studies, or perhaps?

'Nighttime is perfect for a secret rendezvous.'

Aki's words flashed through her mind. While Aki said those words when he was trying to flirt with her, she coldly brushed him off. She can use that theory now. If she were meeting somebody, it would make sense for her to stay behind.

Was she the only one at the gate? Or was there someone else there with her? That person is either one of the culprits or somebody used to lure her.

The easiest way to find out is to look at the surveillance footage. But it's going to be difficult unless they get a permit. She only managed to get in last time because she used the excuse of auditioning. Even then, she did not have the luxury to look around.

Access to the university, didn't she ask Toh for help? Due to everything that has happened recently, she wonders if Toh forgot. There was also the mention of a trial when she got better. Would he still test her? It feels like he wouldn't now.

No sooner did she start reading did she hear a voice from behind her. Toh had gotten out of the shower, a towel draped around his neck, and he was carrying two mugs in his hands.

"Coffee?" Toh asked.

"Mm, thank you."

Toh placed the mug on the side table so she could reach it better before taking a seat beside her.

"What happened to cooking?"

"Ah, sorry. I just want to read something Ru sent me." Sumire trailed off.

Now would be a good time to talk about the case. But it just doesn't seem right to bring up. Initially, she only intended to use him. However, now that she has actually gotten to know him properly. It is a bit difficult for her to do that.

"Can I have a look? It's probably about the university case."

He is sharp, well, since he approached the topic first, it makes it easier for her.

"Yes, he-" Sumire moved the laptop screen so she could show him. But Toh suddenly pulled her onto his lap. H-huh? She looked at him, startled. What is he doing?"

"I think it's easier to see like this."

No, no, no, this situation is- Sumire felt his lips at her ear, and she trembled. He is too close. This is so strange.

"Take deep breaths, and relax. Clear your mind. Remember that I will never harm you."

That's true. This person will never overstep their boundaries with her unless she asks. He was the one who talked her out of being crazy and impulsive not too long ago.

Sumire followed his instructions, and the unease she felt seconds ago vanished.

"Are you fine now?" Toh asked.

She looked at him briefly and sighed. "I just find it unfair."

"What is?"

"You see right through me, so I can't hide anything from you."

Toh chuckled. "It's just a basic analysis. Besides, I don't have to use much psychology when you're not emotional."

Doesn't that simply mean she is easy to read?

"Also, I don't think cooking, psychology, and fashion design is all I should teach you."

"Is there anything else? Do you have any other secret talents?" Sumire wondered.

He does appear to be one of those, 'I can do anything types.'

"I think we should work on your resistance towards men."

"My, what now?"

"Sumire, I will be frank with you. I never expected our relationship to progress so quickly. Of course, it's because I started seeing you as a patient that I could help, not just a woman I am interested in. But you have to admit. We are a lot closer than we should be for people who have only known each other awhile."

He makes a point there. Even she is surprised how comfortable she is around him.

"I haven't seen much of your interactions with other guys. But it does seem like if they get close to you, you will allow them to do whatever they want." Toh trailed off. "I am not criticizing or insulting you. You don't care what happens to you because you see little value in yourself. You have no self-worth or confidence, so you think it's okay to be taken advantage of, correct?"

Sumire doesn't reply, but she continues to listen to him. He does make a very valid point. When she was still dating Nagawa Sano, she had those thoughts, didn't she? 'It doesn't matter what he does. I just want him to fill the void in my heart. Somebody, please make me forget Yuhi, make me forget these emotions.'

"Is that all?" Sumire questioned.

"No, the key reason for your behavior must be due to you suppressing your emotions for the person you like. You have developed a further negative mindset believing that no matter what you do, you will never be good enough for him. So, you want to forget. You want someone to help you do that, even if it means letting them step over you, even if it is temporary." Toh replied.

Ah, he truly is good at his job. This is the first time somebody has figured out and analyzed her behaviour.