Guilty

SUMIRE

It's not the first time she has had such thoughts regarding Yuhi-san since she started dating Toh. But, ever since she returned from the trip with Toh. It has felt wrong having these thoughts, wrong and so very dangerous. She can't keep doing this, having these thoughts. She can't keep feeling guilty whenever this happens too.

'Maybe I should have a talk with Toh.' That would be the right thing to do. But, a part of her is worried what he would think. He will be upset, there is no doubt about that. But, if they keep on going like this. Her emotions will explode. 

She doesn't want to lie to him about anything, even if there is a risk about him hating her and leaving her. 

From: Sumire

Don't flatter yourself too much. You'll find that your godlike physique isn't the reason why I became interested in you.

From: Toh

Ah, and yet you don't deny your attraction.

From: Sumire

I'm not blind, and I know what I touched.

At those words she felt a gentle caress on her shoulders, and felt the sensation of lips on her neck. One hand lifting her shirt-

From: Sumire

D-don't you dare do that now! I'm with my friends.

From: Toh

The guys in Nanairofeather?

From: Sumire

At Masato's grandfathers shop. Mikaze-kun, Nao and Masato are here.

From: Toh

Right, the famous childhood friend. I wonder when you'll introduce us.

Sumire briefly looked over at Nao who was discussing something with Mikaze. She recalled his reaction just a few minutes ago.

From: Sumire

Maybe when you stop acting like a prick.

From: Toh

It so happens that you were all over this prick before you snuck away.

From: Sumire

That was because I was half awake.

Her thoughts break off when Masato casually slides a cup of coffee in front of her, and a plate of chocolate cake. He doesn't say anything and walks back over to where Mikaze, and Nao were discussing a script from the looks of it.

Sumire takes a bite of the cake and her eyes brighten. Oh this is good, she wonders where he got it from.

From: Toh

I assume you're eating something right now. Since you're making some delicious sounds.

Sumire felt her face heat up at those words and she almost choked on a bit of cake. 

From: Toh

Calm down beautiful, I was only teasing you.

From: Sumire

Your choosing the wrong time to tease me

From: Toh

So, is there a good time for teasing? I will make note of that, next time you're in my bed and screaming my name.

Sumire puts her phone away after reading that last message. If she continues talking to Toh, she won't be able to sit here in peace. Sumire slumped her face on the desk as she moved the remaining plate of cake away. Shameless flirting and banter over text messages, she has never done that with anybody but Yuhi-san before.

With Yuhi it was different, they weren't dating and yet they flirted enough for others around to misunderstand they are a couple. She is well aware of the rumors going on around the underworld. Rumors that insist that she is Yuhi's girlfriend.

'I have never bothered rectifying those rumors before, because there was no need.' However, now that she is dating Toh she probably ought to do something about it. When she was with Sano, there was no risk of him learning about it because he wasn't involved in the underworld. But Toh is involved, since he did a background check on her. Maybe he already knows about it? Maybe she doesn't have to do anything about it.

Sumire shakes her head. She needs to stop taking his kindness for granted like that. It's not fair on him. She ought to have a discussion with him on this when she returns later. The sooner she talks about it, the less risk of him hearing it from another person. That is, if he doesn't know about it already. 

Nao takes her phone off her and Sumire sighed as she watched him scroll through her messages with Toh.

"You know, that's called an invasion of privacy."

"Just making sure he isn't messing with you."

Unfortunately she can't blame Nao for this over protective behaviour of his. After all, he has been raised to be her bodyguard his entire life.

A few months after the incident, Aki finally allowed Nao to come to her and the first thing he said was.

'I failed you.'

Since then, she has been very careful around him, making sure he knows where she is at all times and who she is with. Those months after reuniting with Nao, he made sure to guard her house every day. Even when she reassured him the neighborhood is safe, he would still space around restlessly.

Sumire reached over and squeezed his hands. "I'm fine. I would have told you by now if he was bullying me."

"I know. It took me all my will whenever you complained about Nagawa not to hit him."

"And I am thankful for that."

Despite all of Nao's grumbling. Sumire knew that he would never cross the line and over interfere in her relationships.

Sumire's gaze fell on his other hand and her eyes widened seeing the bandages. She immediately grabbed hold of it and rolled up his sleeve.

"When, did you get this?" Sumire demanded.

It's true she hasn't seen much of him in a while, but she hasn't avoided him completely. When did he get such a large injury without her noticing?

Masato returns with a small bowl.

"This is why he came over here to have some off grandfathers herbal remedies."

Sumire frowned. "When?"

"A few days ago." Nao reluctantly admitted.

A few days ago? He should have said something to her.

"Sumire, are you willing to put that on Nao for me? Just spread it on the area around the cut." Masato explained.

"You can count on me!"

Sumire grabbed the ointment from Masato and turned to Nao. "-and so?" Sumire said sharply. "Explain."

"It was an ambush. I let my guard down. I should have checked the perimeter before turning my back."

Sumire dabs the first glob of paste on his forehead, and Nao winced in pain. He grabbed hold of her wrist.

"I know you're upset, but don't be so aggressive."

"I--I can't help my strength." Sumire mumbled. But she quickly apologises.

"Right, your brute strength."

Sumire dabbed the paste harder and Nao cursed. "You're too violent, do you act like this around Mashima too?"

"Of course Toh knows every side of me."