Connecting

After a few minutes, Sumire speaks up and breaks the silence.

"Whether or not I am talented never mattered to me. I just love to sing, and if I can. I want to spread my music to the rest of the world. I want everyone to hear my songs."

Now that he thought about it, when she learned about his dream to become a top designer. She seemed more comfortable around him. So, her dreams are that important to her?

"I think your amazing."

Sumire's gaze softened. "I have a long way to go. But, this year. I want to be able to debut. I don't want to delay this anymore."

"You'll be able to trust my skills as a psychologist."

Now he is even more determined to help her get better.

'I can't expect her to make a full recovery right away. But, if her heart heals a bit more--' His thoughts break off seeing her dropping eyelids.

Toh moved the guitar from the girl.

"Toh?"

"Time to sleep beautiful."

Sumire nodded and lays down, he quickly joined her. The couch was indeed too small. If he so much moved, there was al risk of Sumire falling off. So Toh made sure to tuck the girl tightly in his embrace.

"Toh-" Sumire started.

"Sleep."

"B--but uh--" Sumi re coughed. "Your-"

It takes him a moment to realize why she was so flustered. Toh briefly looked down to see the bulge in his pants. "Ignore it."

'What the hell is wrong with me, getting turned on just having her pressed against me? I'm not a child.'

"But-"

Toh shakes his head. "We may have slept together several times these past few weeks. But I know this is still new to you, I won't force you to do anything."

Sumire laughed. "You really are a odd one."

"You find me being considerate strange?"

"I mean." Sumire trailed off. "My trashy ex-boyfriend aside. I heard from my classmates, stories of their relationships. Apparently dating older guys, means they expect their partners to be more passionate."

"Our ages are close remember?" Toh reminded her.

"I know, but-" Sumire paused. "You did spend most of your time thinking you were older."

Indeed, he did. He doesn't mind if she continues to treat him as a much older guy. But sometimes it is inconvenient, since she is too formal around him.

"So, I thought you'd have the same mind set and considering how popular you are with women--"

Toh brushed his fingers across her lips, tracing it slowly. This action lead to Sumire tugging the blanket to cover her face.

"Sumire-" Toh started.

"I-I don't. I don't know how to react when you do this. I-" Sumire stammered.

Toh shakes his head seeing her trembling figure. She must be frightened. He moved the blanket away only to get a better view of her lovely red stained face.

For at least five minutes, all Toh did was stare at her. How can she make blushing look so beautiful? Why does this girl, make him feel emotions that he has never felt before? Why does he continue growing more and more attached?

He didn't reply with words and instead leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Get some sleep."

.....

Wednesday 7th April.

In order to make up for his birthday. Sumire suggested last night before they went to sleep, that they go to the hot springs together. Last night he was too tired to think about it. But, now that he was wide awake.

'A hot spring trip..that girl has no idea what she suggested does she?'

By suggesting a hot spring trip, she is basically implying that she wants to do something physical with him. Toh paused and shakes his head. Knowing her she has no idea about

Toh exits the bath and slipped on a pair of trousers. Last time he stayed over, he made sure to leave some of his belongings here.

He re-entered the room to find Sumire on her laptop.

"Have you found a place?"

"Ah yes, I have. There are-" Sumire suddenly averted her gaze. "-a few really good places with a good view, and the prices are good."

"If it's money, we don't really have to worry."

Sumire shakes her head. "I want to use my own money. I have to make it up to you after all."

Make it up to him huh? After all that kissing they did last night. Whatever bitterness he felt had already vanished. However, she seems to be bothered by it. So, he will allow her to do what she wants.

Moreover, a trip together. He was also thinking of suggesting something like that. Since their relationship started, their time alone together is limited. He is painfully aware of how Sumire thinks they jumped into a relationship too fast, without properly getting to know each other. So, going on a trip together will mean they have the time to learn things they didn't know before.

'I am looking forward to it, what other surprises will she have for me?'

Toh takes a seat beside her on the couch causing Sumire to immediately shift to the corner of the couch.

He raised his eyebrow. "You know, I might as well just say it. But how could you invite me when your reacting like that just seeing the upper half of my body."

"It-It's not like I suggested the trip so we could get physical-" Sumire stammered.

See, he didn't think she had ulterior motives. But, plenty of females acted the same way in the past only to be all over him. Then again, Sumire has never been the same as those other girls. He wouldn't even put them in the same category.

"When people suggest hot spring trips, especially one with an open airbath attached to the room. It usually means getting physical. There is only one thing people can do."

"I-it's all about connecting. Err no, wrong choice of words." Sumire stammered.

Toh's lips curve to a smile. "I am very good at connecting."

"T-that's not it!" She exclaimed and he laughed causing Sumire to puff her cheeks. "Your in a teasing mood today. But, what I was trying to say was we will walk around the streets, and look at all the different shops, appreciate the history and view. We will show sides of ourselves that we haven't seen from each other."

*Unedited*