Not just fondness

SUMIRE 

'I used to think my reputation in the underworld was bad. But, after Arata left me that challenge message in the police headquarters. I quickly realized there will be someone crazier.' 

Arata shakes his head. "You really are crazy, whether its the way you fight or how you deal with your fucking emotions. Ibuki Sumire, are you really telling me you haven't noticed?"

"I already said I know how fond of me he was."

"It's not just fondness, Mashima Toh is in love with you. You are his first, and probably last love." Arata said. 

Sumire felt her cheeks warm. "H-how can you say something like that? Both of us are still young and-"

Arata kept shaking his head. "It's unfortunate but I know Toh extremely well. Perhaps it's because of his profession, but he understands human emotions far too well. Because of this, he has always struggled being in a genuine relationship." He trails off. "Look at it this way, at the start of any friendship or relationship. You have that whole 'getting to know each other process.' before feeling comfortable."

"Right."

"But, Toh isn't able to do that. Since he automatically has a full understanding of a person."

Oh.

"Then, what does that have to do with me?"

"You're different. From the moment you two met, he couldn't get a read on you. But, that's not what made you different. There have been a few exceptional cases over the years. However, unlike those cases. Even after he learned things about you, you continued to fascinate him."

"So, isn't that just interest? It doesn't sound like love."

"But, if you think about it. I think the reason it was different for you, was because he was in love."

"I don't get it." Sumire admitted.

"Basically, if he didn't love you. He would have gotten tired already. It's because he loves you, that everything seems different for him. You understand it don't you? It's not like your situation is unique, I'm sure there are others with more tragic backstories."

He really is a blunt person, but it's true she already had similar thoughts. It's not like there is anything special about her, and yet Mashima Toh isn't tired of her yet.

"What if he meets someone later on who he is more fascinated with? Feelings can change you know."

'And if they are on completely opposite sides of the world from each other?' If they no longer see each other everyday, will their feelings remain the same?

Will he still love her- Yuhi's face comes to mind. It's possible. Even though Yuhi could have gotten himself a girlfriend by now he hasn't. He even told her on the phone the other day that he would never do that. 

Although she has only known Toh for a few months. Sumire understood that he was the same type of person.

Her thoughts break off when Arata lunged towards her, despite being distracted Sumire exchanged blows with him. Neither of them said a word, but Sumire understood what he was trying to do.

"Alright! I surrender." Sumire said defeated. "I-I understand that Toh will never think that way."

Arata exhales deeply. "Let me give you some more friendly advice, since I am in a good mood."

The advice Arata gave her was long, but she carefully listened. Despite Arata's reputation of being a mad man, Sumire noted how clever he was.

Seeing Toh standing at the end of the alleyway, Sumire blinks. What is he doing here? Normally he would still be fast asleep at this time.

Thump.

He isn't doing work for the black alice organisation is he?

Just as she thought that, Toh turned his attention towards her. He extended his hand out and Sumire immediately rushed forward and buried her face in his chest.

Toh places a light kiss on her forehead. "This was reckless of you beautiful."

"I know, but I don't know your other friends very well and most of them don't like me. They'll probably take advantage of the situation to drive a wedge between us."

Toh chuckled. "I am sure you have figured it out already. But, nothing other than a past love is capable of breaking us apart."

Sumire blinks.

Is that Toh indirectly making a jab at her feelings for Yuhi? Taking a deep breath, she looks up and sees the look in his eyes. She wraps her arms around his neck and buries her face on 

"You're upset with me." Sumire mumbled.

Toh sighs. "I am." 

Despite this Sumire noted how he comfortingly ran his hands down her back. 

"I'm sure we had a conversation before about meeting Arata alone." Toh said.

"Mm, we did. But, like he's your friend isn't he?"

"You asked him to help me." Toh said understanding. "Beautiful-"

"I know." Sumire interjected. "I know you don't want me to intervene in this. But, I can't just do nothing."

Toh chuckled. "Don't get so worked up. It's not like I said you couldn't intervene."

Sumire blinked.

"I suppose it slipped my mind to mention it, since both our emotions were high the other day. But, I think it's better if we both make advantage of the weapons we have."

She squats his chest and looks at him with angry eyes. "Why didn't you say that sooner?"

Toh raised his eyebrow. "Did I interrupt something?"

"Yes!" Sumire exclaimed. Because he was being so vague yesterday, she decided to take matters into her own hands and meet Arata. Because of that, she ended up leaving the warmth of his arms. Or experience his tender after care after they make love.

Toh must have understood since he leans forward and kisses her lightly. "We couldn't have breakfast in bed, but there is still plenty of the day left to eat, watch movies and cuddle in bed."

Indeed, it's already the middle of the day. Although she left early with the purpose of meeting Arata. She had other tasks to attend to.

"Can we stay in my place for today?"

Toh nodded.

She could use this opportunity to check on Ru, since Nao messaged her saying he wasn't in class today.