Intentions

TOH

'If she gets past her insecurities, she can truly make her dream a reality. I can do that. I can help her, so she can achieve her dreams faster. I never thought I would find myself actively encouraging someone to achieve their dreams. Since I met her, I have definitely changed. I am not acting like myself.'

"But in reality it is not like that.

I did not want anyone to know how weak my heart was.

While I played the role of a strong girl,

I trembled in this place.

Yellow rose

In the language of flowers it means friendship.

With tears, which filling me,

I wanted to sing for everyone."

These changes are not bad. He certainly feels like a better person these days. He feels more alive, more human.

"What can I do?

Tell me, yellow rose,

Because I also want to protect

The kind people, who protected me.

Can I bloom too?

Tell me, yellow rose.

I am not worth anything, but I will still do my best.

Only for everyone I am ready to blossom.

Because I am through life

Just causing trouble for others,

I looked angry, even though I wanted to cry.

But in fact everyone knew it." Sumire sang.

"Well president, who do you think?"

Toh spots Ichinose Arashi at one of the tables, and some other students. Everybody raised up different coloured signs but the majority was yellow. Considering Sumire just sang a song called yellow rose, it was clear who won.

Sumire beamed happily and raised her hand. "Alright! Now you both owe me lunch."

Mikaze sobs. "Sumire-chan, how can you be so cruel when you know I'm broke?"

Kou pats his shoulder. "It's okay Kazeyan, just get Senna-kun to pay on your side. He's the rich one."

At those words Mikaze turned to the pianist, who was exhaling deeply. "Fine. But, I told you this was a bad idea. This one," Masato points to Sumire. "-has been in full form recently."

Toh looked at the scene in disbelief. "All of this, was to compete over lunch?"

Masaru chuckled. "Once in a while we would get a famous chef in, today is that day. The lady and Mikaze-kun were talking about it all morning, and our senpais overheard. She seemed extra motivated today, I suppose it was because she knew you would be coming."

'Even though I told her I wouldn't see her until tonight?'

Sumire spots him and her eyes lit up as she rushed over. Toh met her halfway and caught the girl in his arms. Rather she stumbled forward, since she ran too quickly. 

"Aha." Sumire laughs softly.

"I didn't realize you were wearing heels." Toh trails off. "Do they not fit?"

Sumire shook her head. "It's okay, I just haven't adjusted to wearing them yet."

And yet, she chose to wear them. Most-likely because her current outfit wouldn't match. Toh scans her up and down. She has certainly become more fashionable. Not that the clothes she wore before were bad.

Toh leans forward and kisses her forehead. "So, am I expecting something fancy for lunch?"

Sumire giggled. "Mm, but wait here. I know you have a pass, but err you'll definitely attract a lot of attention."

"That almost sounds like you don't want to share me with anyone."

Sumire blinks. "Wow, you really do understand me well."

His eyes widened at her words.

"That's right, if you go there, all the girls will stare. So, you'll have to wait here." Sumire leans forward and kisses his cheek. "Okay, I won't be long."

Toh didn't get a chance to react as he watched her leave with her friends. The other students in the hall took a glance at him, but were being ushered away by Ichinose.

"It seems, this is a good opportunity." Masaru suddenly spoke up.

In the next second, Toh felt a murderous rage directed at him and he just barely dodged a blade. Seeing Tachibana holding a small knife, Toh exhales deeply.

"I see, so you knew?"

Masaru chuckled. "At first I didn't have all the facts. But, when I finally had the opportunity to snoop around Aki's office. I found your true file."

'I thought it was odd. If Tachibana is as involved in the underworld, why wasn't he suspicious of me?'

"Now you know-"

"It is taking all my self control not to run this blade through you."

Now that's the normal reaction.

'I have been living a fairly normal life since I started dating Sumire. I haven't been doing many jobs for the black alice organisation. But, before I met her, I was living a dangerous life.'

A life where people feared him. 

"Tell me Mr. Vice command of the black alice organisation, what do you intend to do with Sumire?"

What he plans to do?

'I want a future with her. A future, that doesn't just involve what we have now. I want to wake up with her in my arms everyday. To have her by my side, when I am cooking, and her welcoming me home. A future where I don't have to return to an empty home, but to see her there.'

Toh exhales deeply. "I plan to ask her to marry me."

It was the first time he admitted these words to himself, let alone out loud. But, before he can convince Sumire, convincing her friends sounds like a good start.

At those words Tachibana Masaru immediately put the blade away. Toh raised his eyebrow. "That's it?"

Masaru shrugged. "I'm extremely good at reading people. When you said those words just now, I felt the sincerity behind them."

"I see."

"Not that I mean to discourage you or anything, but, you do know about Yuhi right?"

Toh nodded. "I am aware, but until I meet him in person or personally witness how they are when they are together. I do not think I will be discouraged."

Rather, he is more determined than ever now to ensure that he not only has a future with Ibuki Sumire. But, to ensure they grow old together.

Masaru laughs. "That's brave of you. Well, good luck. But, when you personally see it, even you will give up."

Toh frowns. "Is that why you act the way you do around her when you like her?"

Normally he wouldn't pry or expose other people's emotions, but, 'I have always wondered, why the guys in nanairofeather act the way they do. Their affections for Sumire are obvious but they do not make a move.'

The only one who does is, Tachibana Masaru. He half heartedly flirts with her. In his position, he is definitely the closest one to Sumire. But, with his attitude, it's no wonder the girl doesn't realize his feelings.