At what cost?

 SUMIRE

"He should be fine now. But, keep an eye on this one." Atsuro said.

"Mm, I got it."

Atsuro looks her up and down and exhales deeply. "How long has he been sick? There's no way you didn't know."

"I don't know how long, but a year and a half ago I noticed him throwing up blood and he was often absent from school. Eventually he resigned from being nanairo feathers assistant manager." Sumire trails off. "I thought he went abroad for treatment."

"You've been acting strange around him for a while, almost indifferent. Did you two fight? Should I beat him up for you?"

Sumire rolled her eyes. "He's already this sick and you want to beat him up?"

Atsuro shrugged. 

"Eli showed up earlier today, and he gave me an extremely long report on the black alice organisation movements." Sumire trailed off and got closer to Atsuro. She mumbled. "He's one of them."

At those words Atsuro's eyes widened and he glanced back over at the room. 

"Don't." Sumire warned. 

"Don't tell me you're sympathizing."

Sumire bit her bottom lip. "That's not it. I just want to make sure first. Not that I doubt Eli, because even before this I suspected something."

Atsuro grabbed her face and stretched her cheeks. "Again, you're doing something reckless. What do you suspect him for?"

"For the murder of my parents." Sumire mumbled.

At those words Atsuro looked like he was going to yell at her again.

"Look, even I know it's reckless keeping him around. But, I need to know for certain. It also seems like he may have been the one who instigated Akishima to pick on Yuhi-san too."

"And once you have confirmed that information?"

"I'll deal with him myself." Sumire said, determined.

When she first saw Hijiri's photo on Eli's file, she didn't think much of it. Eli has always liked writing detailed reports. She assumed Hijiri's picture was there because he was involved in the cases Eli investigated. That assumption was naive though. Even before this she suspected him.

Atsuro exhaled deeply. "Convince Mashima Toh to join the Holy Knights."

Sumire blinked, surprised at Atsuro's suggestion.

"I thought you didn't like Toh."

"I don't have to like him to understand he is the only one who can understand you right now."

".."

"If you manage to persuade him, we can wipe whatever record he has with his current group. We can make up a story that he was a spy we planted a long time ago. But, he has to leave before HYOU4 and the government picks up on his presence."

Sumire frowned. It almost sounds like Atsuro knows which group Toh belongs to.

"I'll check on him again."

"Don't-" Sumire started.

Atsuro extended his hand out and flicked her forehead. "Relax, I'm not going to kill him. Even I have morals."

Like that's believable.

Sumire nodded and watched Atsuro leave.

'Hijiri, even though I already suspected you. When Eli explained the documents in more detail, it was a huge shock for me.'

It seems, no matter what she does. Living a peaceful life is impossible.

But, didn't she know this would happen?

'From the moment I lost my memories of what happened in the forest and gained the mark on my neck. I knew, things wouldn't be the same anymore.'

The reason Lucifer was able to get to her, it was Hijiri's doing.

Hijiri caused the death of her family.

'Yet, he was the first one who found me seeking shelter at Aki-san's place after the accident.' Even now she can remember it clearly, that frantic expression and how badly his body trembled as he embraced her.

'Thank goodness you're alive.'

She lived, but at what cost?

From: Toh

Are you sure you don't want me there?

From: Sumire

It's alright, I will be back soon

From: Toh

I see, but your missing out.

Missing out?

Toh suddenly sends her an image, and Sumire almost dropped her phone once she saw the picture. Because it was a picture of Mashima Toh in the bath.

From: Sumire

W-what are you thinking! You can't send pictures like these!!

From: Toh

Why not?

From: Sumire

B-because if someone sees-

From: Toh

I only sent it to you.

If anyone else sees it, I will assume you spread it

From: Sumire

I'd never do that!

From: Toh

It's nice to hear how possessive of my body you are

Sumire curses, she really can't argue against him. 

Hearing footsteps, Sumire turned to see Asuka and laughed. "Are you also going to judge me?"

"I haven't reported it to the captain yet, but I will have to eventually. The black alice organisation have been increasing their attacks, and with Hijiri by your side now. It won't surprise me if it becomes worse."

"Mm, and?"

"Mashima Toh." Asuka said. "Sumire, what exactly do you plan to do? You said it yourself, that it's too much of a coincidence that he-"

"I know, considering how secretive he acts about it. It's quite clear he belongs to the opposite side."

"Then-"

"I can't." Sumire said weakly. "I won't fight against him, I won't be able to."

She thought she resolved herself.

'If he's the enemy, then I will fight him.' But, as time went by, she realized she couldn't do it. 

Asuka exhales deeply. "I knew it would turn out this way."

"You didn't stop me from dating Toh, unlike Futaba. You encouraged it."

"I may be the vice commander of HYOU4, but I am your friend first. I can tell that Mashima Toh makes you happy. Regardless of his identity, I will prioritise your happiness first."

At those words she felt the tears well up from her eyes and Asuka patted her back.

"You'll need to decide soon." Asuka mumbled. "I know this is hard for you, Sumire, and really I wish I could stall more for you. But, the captain has been cracking down on the black alice organisation members a lot."