Your heart must hurt

After finishing the meal, he disappeared for a bit to take a phone call and report to Aki that she was okay. The man didn't seem too concerned and just said he understood before hanging up. That person, whenever anybody mentions Sumire, acts so calm, but he acts so eager whenever he is around Sumire.

When Mamoru re-entered the room, Sumire and Mashima Toh were no longer there, but the dishes were cleared. He scans the room for a bit before stepping out onto the hallway. The room at the end of the hall was slightly open.

Are they in there? 'Maybe I should just leave. But, Ki always tells me not to disappear without telling her.' Mamoru took a deep breath as he walked down the hall.

Mamoru paused, seeing the sight before him. Mashima Toh had Ki trapped against the desk and was leaning forward. If it was the usual Ki, she would have moved away. But she even leaned forward slightly and caressed Mashima's cheeks.

"Toh, what's wrong?" Sumire asked.

"That's my line. Are you alright?" Toh asked softly.

"I'm okay."

'W-why are they standing so close? or rather, this is the first time for me seeing Ki behave like this.' Normally she dislikes being close to people. Why is she touching him so easily?

Toh brushed his hands across her forehead. "You're a bit feverish. You should send him away."

"We still have something to discuss."

"I'm worried about you." Toh squeezed her hands. "Do you understand?"

Sumire laughed softly, and she extended her hand out, and Toh grabbed hold of it. He brought it towards his lips and gently placed a kiss on the bandages.

"It doesn't hurt as much anymore."

"But your heart must hurt."

"I don't want to show Ru my weak side anymore. So please, don't say anything."

Mamoru returned to the living room and didn't wait to hear the end of their conversation. She doesn't want to show him her weak side anymore?

'Don't be so silly, Ki, even if you don't show me I know that much about you.' Even if she doesn't show him, he will still worry about her.

After a few minutes, Mashima Toh returned with Sumire in his arms. He placed the girl on the couch and turned to him.

"Since you're here, we might as well have a small chat," Toh said. "So, regarding her condition. She may look happy now, but just an hour ago, she was crying again. Last night no early this morning too, she woke up several times with panic attacks."

"Is it that bad?" Mamoru asked.

It was a stupid question after Toh had just explained her situation. But it was hard for him to accept.

"Her mental condition is in a terrible state. Frankly, I'm surprised. I've never seen somebody as broken as she is. She has told me bits and pieces slowly regarding the past and her emotions. But, I am sure she is keeping crucial events away."

"...."

"You don't seem that surprised."

Yes, it's not surprising. He has stayed by her side for a long time, so he understood.

"Are you serious about helping her?"

"After seeing her in that state three days ago, yes, of course. If I wanted nothing to do with her, I would have told you to go back." Toh trailed off. Your guys already did a background check on me, and yet you are cautious."

Mamoru looked at him suspiciously. "You're very well known in the underworld."

"As a psychologist, it is only natural."

He understands that. The security check the Holy knight's group does isn't easy to pass, and yet there is no doubt Mashima Toh is no normal man. If he passed the security check and yet there is still something suspicious, it means - 'Aki must have passed him.' The other way to bypass that security is Aki.

'I can't tell what he is thinking.'

The only one who understands Aki is Ki. Ki, most likely, knows if Aki passed Toh normally. The third reason is maybe they found something but had a hard time locating the source.

"You're very suspicious." Toh's lips curve to a smile. "Since I am free right now, maybe you can enlighten me a little?"

"Don't joke around," Mamoru grumbled. "I am thankful that you helped Ki. But, if you do anything that harms her, then I will make you pay."

"I see. But you know Tsueno, don't you think if I wanted to harm her, I would have done it already? Think about it. You left me alone with her for two days with no contact whatsoever. Does she look harmed to you?"

"No, but-" Mamoru couldn't finish his sentence. He doesn't know what to say. He is suspicious, but he has no evidence for it.

'I need to do more research. If I do, then perhaps I will find out more.'

"I don't think she can go to school for a while. Is it okay if she remains here?" Mamoru decided to change the subject.

"I don't mind. I managed to get a leave of absence for myself. You should do the same with her. I am sure you realize this, but it's too dangerous leaving her alone even for a moment."

That's right, that was the mistake he made three days ago. It seemed like Toh understood immediately that Sumire couldn't be alone right now. 'Why did I make such a stupid mistake? It's true she needed to eat, but I should have taken her with me. There is a reason why that couch was in the kitchen.'

His gaze fell on the girl fast asleep on the couch. It pained him to see the bandages on both hands.

Toh followed her gaze. "Her arms are healing. You saw it yourself. She managed to cook, and she has been helping me with my work. But she does require more rest."

"..."

"The scars are very deep. I can't predict how long she will have them."

"I see." Mamoru finally managed to say something.

Ki, right now, there is nothing he can do as frustrating as it was. But, if staying with Mashima Toh can help, then for a while, he will leave her here.