"In that case, is that not the same for you? The other three act subtle. But it's clear as day that you're hiding something. "
"Would you like to hear about it? "
"Oh my, what is this special treatment?"
At that, the dark brunette-haired girl shifted closer, and before he knew it, she had him back against the wall.
"I didn't think I'd be straddled by Mimi one day. Today's my lucky day after all, huh?" Kou said with a grin.
"Why. .why do you trust me? I could easily kill you silently at this distance before you realize it. " Sumire muttered.
Indeed, she definitely has the skills to pull off something like that. If his men in the East Tigers saw this, they'd certainly grab Sumire from behind because no girl would get so close to him unless they had this in mind.
"If you kill me, Mimi, I'll be honored. You saved my life after all. So you can choose when to end it. "
No matter how much time passes, he will not forget the day she saved him and how he's always wanted to repay the debt.
"I thought taking me in then and protecting me was how you intended to repay the debt." Sumire seemed puzzled by his words.
"Ah, those things? Indeed that is what I intended initially. But I couldn't stick with that promise for long. Before I realized it Ran, Jun and Tetsuo became attached to you. So, I decided that I would not need to do anything anymore." Kou smiled.
But from the very start, he knew the outcome would be like this. Because the girl who saved him then, despite having blood in her hands, looked so beautiful and dazzling in his eyes.
"You didn't need me. I knew you'd be fine even without me. So if you were to take my life now, I wouldn't mind."
He wouldn't mind because he's already done everything that needs to be done over here. There is nothing left for him to do.
The first time he met Ibuki Sumire was when there was some conflict in his group. Many didn't like him being the leader. Back then, he balanced his career and being the leader of a delinquent group. There were many members in the group that did not like that situation.
Sumire then revealed the dagger in her hands, but she didn't say anything and kept her head down.
"Come now, Mimi, don't make a solemn face if you're going to kill me."
"How can you stay relaxed at a time like this? "
"Because you're right in front of m, that's all that matters."
That's right; she's right here in front of him. That's why he isn't worried. Sumire lifted the dagger in the air and murmured idiot.
Kou closed his eyes, preparing for the girl to stab him, yet even after a few minutes passed, nothing happened.
He hears a clattering sound and opens his eyes only to find that Sumire has dropped the dagger in her hands.
"Mimi."
"R--right now, don't look at me. Don't look." Seeing her shoulders quiver and shaky voices. Kou understood it right away.
Ah, she wouldn't go through with it after all. Kou reached over and patted her back.
"Don't do such scary things when you're pregnant. Don't you know how to cultivate good karma for your children?"
"It's Eli's fault. He told me to test you. I didn't want to at all. I trust you, Kou. I know you won't betray me." Sumire sniffled. She was crying again.
"Why are you so sure about that?"
"If you wanted to betray me, you would have done so long ago. Moreover, the current Kou wants to help make Yuhi's dreams a reality. You won't hurt me, who he considers his treasure and life."
Kou blinked after hearing those words. She hasn't changed at all. Even though they have seldom spent time with her since they came, she still watches over them.
"Apology accepted." Sumire suddenly stood up and rushed in the direction of the bathroom.
Kou quickly followed her. Sumire's entire body was trembling as she hunched down and threw up the contents of the pastry and meal she had just had.
Throwing up this much isn't good for her. She won't have any energy left in her body if she has no food.
Kou kneeled down and patted her back. "See? You definitely need somebody here."
Sumire turned to him with a pale expression and laughed weakly. "That's true. I'm sorry about this, Kou."
She doesn't have to apologize; she is so silly. Kou picked her up and brought her to the couch. No, this is a sofa bed, isn't it? It's a convenient choice of furniture, especially in her current condition.
He heard his phone ring and, seeing the caller ID placed it in front of Sumire, clicking the speaker option.
"Hey, Kou? Are you with Sumire now? She isn't answering her phone."
"I-I'm okay, Yuhi. I was just in the bathroom."
"Sumire."
"Mm, it's nice hearing your voice."
"Trying to flirt with me, I see; it's working. But hey, you sound bad."
"I just threw up."
Kou's gaze softened as he listened to their conversation. What is this warm fuzzy feeling when he hears their conversations and watches them interact?
In the beginning, Ran wasn't the only irritated one. He felt jealous. Mimi was finally together with the guy she liked. But where did that leave the rest of them who liked her? Is that guy worthy of her? However, at some point, the jealousy fades, and he even teases Yuhi about his relationship with Sumire.
He wondered how he managed to achieve this. It's not like his feelings for her have disappeared.
"Kou, are you there?"
"What is it?"
"The reporters are being annoying. One of them saw Jun's injuries and told the rest. It will be difficult for us to leave the station for a while. We might even get held up past midnight. Sorry to do this but could you stay with Sumire until then?"
"I don't mind, but-" Kou looked over at Sumire.
"It's okay; it's just you, Kou."
'I thought this back then too, but she lets her guard down too easily.'
"That's true; I'll see you tonight, Sumire. Don't wait for me and go to sleep."
"I'm not sleeping till you get here, so come quickly." Sumire quickly hung up. "Kou, do you want to watch some movies?"
"Sure, let's do that."
For the next few hours, the little boy woke up in small intervals, even though he was starting to find it weird how much the kid slept. Then again, he is a power user. He is only a young boy, so it's normal that his body can't contain the powers.
It's Mamoru's son, so he has the sonic sound ability. The strongest power in the world.
Seeing Sumire rub her stomach occasionally, Kou recalled something and went to the kitchen. He returned with a cup of hot lemon water.
Sumire blinked, surprised. "Uh this-"
"Yu-yu gave me strict instructions." Kou grinned. "Unfortunately, he didn't give me tips on how to comfort you in bed."
She rolled her eyes and sighed. "There are CCTV cameras here. If you flirt with me, Yuhi-san will kill you."