Time Limit (3)

TOH

When he woke up, the first thing he noticed was the absence of the girl in his arms. Next was the bright beams of light filtering through the room. Toh wanted to find Sumire immediately but, 'I can't move at all. I know even without looking at a mirror how pale my face must be right now.'

His thoughts break off when the doors open, Sumire peeks into the room. Her eyes landed on the bed, and brightened once she saw him awake.

"Toh! You're up."

"Good morning beautiful. You're very happy."

There was no sign of her pale complexion, weak pulse and throwing up black blood. It's a relief that she didn't have to suffer for long. Although he would like nothing more than for her not to suffer at all. Toh understood that neither of them have that luxury since they belong to the underworld.

Yesterday was far too terrifying though. 'My own reaction surprised me, I have never felt that much fear before.' The fear of losing her, of living a life where she is no longer around.

Sumire laughs. "Mm, because you helped me. You're my hero."

Toh chuckled. "Am I not getting a reward for my heroic deeds?"

Sumire tilted her head. "I made you breakfast, but I feel like you'd want something else." She looks around pretending to search for something, before shrugging, walking over and climbing on top of him. "Okay, you can have me now."

She really is careless. But, it's true all he seems to want these days is her and her alone.

Toh weakly wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled the silly girl in for a deep kiss. A kiss that Sumire eagerly responded to. Toh felt her grip on his shirt and chuckled. It seems she is more eager than usual. It's unfortunate he isn't in perfect health, otherwise, this would definitely lead into something more.

"Mmm, you know when I was drinking from you last night. I saw a few things."

Toh chuckled. "I hope you saw the well of desires I have for you beautiful."

"I saw, that house you mentioned." Sumire mumbled.

"Do you like it? The area is fairly new, so there aren't many residents just yet."

"I like it, a lot." Sumire mumbled. "Can we go see it soon?"

Toh nodded. "There are other locations-"

"No, I want that one."

"Then let's go with that one. We can start decorating whenever you want."

"You're not going to get a professional?"

"Don't I have one?" Toh pointed to her.

Sumire's cheeks colour and she covers her mouth and laughs."I suppose at this point, you're one of my biggest fans regardless of what I do."

His gaze softens at those words. "I am relieved you like it, I wasn't sure at first."

Sumire blinked. "How is that possible? You know me far better than I do. Frankly speaking, it's quite disturbing."

Toh chuckled. "It is?"

"Like, how can you know every single inch of me so well?"

His lips curved to a smirk immediately understanding. "Are you that unsettled that all your clothes recently fit you so well?"

Sumire looks at him with flushed cheeks, and jabs his chest. "Mister, even if you do design my clothes. Having that much knowledge about a person's body is unusual!"

"Is this about when we went shopping the other day?"

"H-how could you be so shameless telling everyone my measurements?"

Toh shrugged. "I am sure I told you this before. But, wearing clothes that aren't your exact size is extremely uncomfortable. I don't want you to feel discomfort even for a single moment."

Sumire exhales deeply. "Listen here, there are some things you jist don't share regardless!"

"I'll make note of that beautiful, so the house design? Do you agree?"

"I-I suppose so."

Toh placed his hand on her knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm relieved that you're much better now, you scared me."

Sumire nuzzled her face affectionately against his. "I'm sorry about that. But, it's not like it's the first time that has happened. Even if I didn't feed from you, it would have stopped eventually."

But she would have had to endure the pain.

"I really am fine." Sumire repeated. "I'm more worried about you right now."

"I feel light headed, but I'm sure after eating your food and resting I will get better."

Sumire bit her bottom lip. "Tell me, did you have that information beforehand? That I would get better if I drank from you?"

Toh turns quiet knowing he wouldn't be able to lie to her. The warmth in her eyes immediately vanished, replacing it with nothing but anger.

"You could have died."

"I'm an evolved huma beautiful, so-"

Sumire shakes her head, and her pretty eyes water. "If -if something happened to you -I wouldn't-"

He could almost hear the words she was struggling to say.

'I wouldn't be able to live without you.'

Toh's eyes widened as he registered how badly the girl trembled in his arms.

'I thought I understood how fond of me she was becoming, but, I didn't know anything at all.'

Not too long ago, Koichi confronted Sumire even though his friend is scared of her. Because Koichi must have known too, about Sumire's feelings.

'Is she really in love with me? I know she has mentioned those words to me before. But, casually. I didn't think she was serious.'

Toh pulled her closer and kissed her forehead softly. "I'm sorry for being so reckless. I didn't think it through. But, looking at it from my perspective beautiful. You were fine one moment, and the next you were coughing out black blood-"

Even now, just talking about it is difficult.

Sumire bit her bottom lip and nodded. She extended her hand out to caress his face. "I've told you before, about how reckless I can be when it concerns my own health, correct?"

Toh nodded.

"Truthfully, when things like that happen, I no longer have the voice to complain."