Be careful

SUMIRE

Toh knows her far better than most people, maybe even more than Ru and Yuhi-san. It actually surprised her when she realized this. At first she thought it was because of his career as a psychologist, but that's not it. When she is with Toh, she feels safe. She knows that no storms will harm her when she is with him, and when his arms are wrapped around her. Nothing will go wrong. That sense of safety and security, she has never felt with anybody else. 

"It's surprising that he--"

-accepts that side of you.

Sumire finished Nao's words in her mind. She understands what he is trying to say. She never told Sano about her activities in the underworld, because she was afraid of what the consequences would be.

'I knew he would never accept that side of me.' Sano being a member of the elite contributed to that decision of hers. Being a member of the elite meant that he had traditional values. If he learned about her involvement in the underworld, he would certainly scorn her and perhaps they would have broken up sooner.

Toh isn't like that. Even if he wasn't involved in the underworld. Sumire felt that he would still accept everything about her regardless. 

"He is good to me." Sumire repeated. Because there really isn't anything else she can say. She can list all of Toh's good qualities, and she knew Nao would still remain doubtful of him.

"You should be careful," Sumire said softly.

"I am careful."

An angry furrow forms between her eyebrows.

"More careful, then," Sumire snapped. "If you'd gotten hurt—"

"It's just a scratch, Princess," he reminds her. "I've gotten them before."

Sumire turns quiet at those words. Right, he has gotten hurt before. How many times has he gotten hurt since he became her bodyguard? How many times has she helped him patch up his wounds?

It's not the first time he will get an injury like this. But, it hurts her to see him this way all the same.

"Can I undo these? They'll probably need changing?" Sumire pointed to the bandages and Nao nodded.

After she undoes the bandages, she sees the full extent of the damage. It was certainly an injury one would only get if they looked away. "It's cowardly sneaking up on someone who has their back turned."

"Don't worry, the person who did it. Is spending a nice time in Aki's interrogation cell."

Sumire sighed knowingly. "Another one of Aki's enemies? How many more people is he going to offend."

"Beats me Princess. But, in this case. I think this guy belongs to the rumored Black Alice organisation."

At those words Sumire frowned. "Are you sure?"

"Positive. Aki is keeping all the ones we find from that organisation in his personal torture chambers."

"Is there more than one?" Sumire said surprised.

Nao paused. "You didn't know?"

"I didn't. I thought--"

'I thought he would talk to me about something this important.' Sumire bit her lip. She should have known. When it comes to the Black alice organisation. Aki is even more protective than usual. He doesn't like to approach the topic.

"I'll have a word with him."

Nao gives her a knowing glance. They all know what having a talk will do. When Aki is stubborn, he won't budge. Even if it's to do with her.

"By the way, strange question. Is it just me or you've been acting odd around Mamoru-san for awhile now?" Nao shifted the topic.

"H-uh?"

"Whenever he gets near you, you turn a bright shade of red. That never happened before."

She begins to spurt out protests, but Sumire knew how red her face was.

Nao smirked knowingly. "Did Mamoru-san confess his feelings to you? Because, if you ask me. He has been a lot more bold around you."

He has? Sumire thinks about Ru's behaviour, really thinks about it.

It suddenly dawned on her: Ru, and only Ru, held her and kissed her on her head, forehead and cheek. Sometimes Ru would get so close to her she could feel his breath tickle her nose and lips.

'Does he actually want to kiss me...on the lips?'

At that thought, Ru's confession flashed through her mind. It's not like she forgot about giving him an answer. It's just a lot has happened in that time.

Does Ru even want an answer? Ru seems to very supportive about her relationship with Toh. Then again he supported her with San too, and always encouraged her to confess to Yuhi.

But, if he is getting self conscious when he does those things. Things he did before to reassure her--

Her thoughts break off when Masato returns and lightly taps her forehead. "Nao. Don't tease her, just because you are upset with her."

Nao sighed deeply. "Can you blame me for that? She leaves way too many openings."

"Hey!!!" Sumire exclaimed. "That's not funny!"

Nao rolled his eyes. "What's not funny is you having your head in the clouds. Even if Aki is being weird about it. You should know what is happening in town right now. You need to be on guard at all costs."

She knows that, of course she does.

"It hasn't been safe recently. Do you think, there is a chance they will attack on the night of the concur?" Sumire mumbles.

At those words Nao paused. "The event will be guarded securely. Because your participating, Aki has personally taken care of the security-"

Sumire shakes her head. "You know that's not what I meant. With me and Futaba participating, Masaru, you and Ru in the audience watching. The town will be left quite defenceless. I'm just wondering what the chances will be of them staging an attack when the town's defences are down."

"Asahi will still be around, and so will Hyou4. I'm sure it will be fine."

Masato speaks up. "If you're concerned about the town being safe. Maybe you can look around in the morning? They'll be time before your performance."

Indeed, that would reassure her more.

Nao raised his eyebrow. "It's rare that you suggest her to do something careless."

"Better than her sighing and worrying about it."

She really does have good friends. Her gaze fell on Mikaze who was still hunched over reading a script.

"Did you guys get an offer for a drama?" Sumire wondered.

"Mikaze did. But as you know, acting isn't his strong suit. Daiki has been too busy recently, so he hasn't been around to ask. The next ones to ask are usually Sei or Masaru, but those two have been just as busy."

Masato sighed deeply. "We are all team members. But, the level of work we all receive differs."

Sumire couldn't help but notice the bitterness in Masato's tone. Indeed, the other three have always been more popular. Before she could say any comforting words. Her phone starts ringing, and moments later there is the sound of a notification. Her gaze fell on the screen.

One unread message from Aki.

Sumire exhaled deeply. So much for spending time with her friends. Recently she has been so busy, she hasn't had much time for the guys in Nanairofeather.

Nao immediately gets to his feet but she shakes her head. "It's a quick job, I'll be back."

"But-"

She points to his injuries. "You'll only get in the way."

Nao exhaled deeply. "Alright, but make sure you call me."