Chapter 126: Normal moments
"I think you should enjoy your life while you can. In the future, you won't have time to have fun." Toh concluded.
"You sound like an old man." Sumire giggled. "Then, mister, what am I missing in my life?"
"Didn't you enjoy what happened last night between us?" Toh was obviously referring to all the kissing they did as 'practice.'
In the end, he somehow managed to get the girl to agree.
Sumire dropped the chicken in her hands. "Um." She laughed nervously. "You're going to bring that up here?"
"I don't see why we can't. Honestly, I wanted to take it a bit further." Toh admitted.
He is truly serious about pursuing her; moreover, the image of what the two of them did yesterday remains in his mind. It was already surprising enough that she allowed him to kiss her. Even more surprising when he could do more than just kiss and touch her a little.
"I-I think we still need to learn more about each other."
He does understand why she wants to learn more about him. They haven't known each other for long. Sumire has severe trust issues, too. The fact that they could get close despite the huge wall she created between herself and others is already good enough.
There is no need to rush. He can take his time and get to know her. However, maybe he should stop himself from kissing her so much.
'But just kissing and a bit of touching is driving me crazy.' Toh would never have thought that the day would come when he would have such thoughts. His recent change since he met Sumire was truly fascinating. So, even somebody like him would fall under the trap called love.
Toh glanced over and saw her nervously looking down. He extended his hand out and caressed her slightly red cheek.
"When I see you like this, I think you're a normal girl," Toh mumbled.
"I see." Her gaze softened. "Then, I'll leave it up to you, so I can have normal moments."
Before he could lean over and kiss her, the girl's phone started to ring. Toh sighed deeply and pulled away.
"Hello? Yes, that's me. Eh? Ru is in hospital--" Sumire paused. "That's right. I'll send somebody over."
After a few more words, Sumire puts her phone down and turns to him.
"I'm sorry, Toh, but could you do me a favor?" Sumire asked as she stood up and gathered her belongings.
Toh slips some money on the table, and they walk out of the restaurant.
"Tsueno is in the hospital?" Toh asked.
He only heard bits and pieces of the conversation. But, based on her reaction, it has something to do with Tsueno Mamoru. Sumire nods, and they get inside his car.
Toh drives her to the hospital, and the entire time he keeps his gaze on Sumire, who looks like she is holding back her tears.
One of the first things he learned about this girl was how important Tsueno Mamoru was to her. Subconsciously he clenched his hand that was on the wheel. Sometimes whenever he sees how well the two of them get along, he feels a bitter emotion in his heart.
.....
At Nagawa General Hospital.
Despite Sumire's worry for Tsueno, however, the girl surprisingly didn't bolt out of the car. Instead, she remained there and explained what favor she wanted from him.
'Can you deliver this stuff to Ru for me and tell me how he is?'
They ended up stopping by a few shops on the way. Toh didn't think it was right for him to visit Tsueno. They aren't even friends. But Sumire looked very upset, so he decided to go on her behalf.
"Tsueno, are you still alive?" Toh said as he entered the room.
Mamoru's expression darkened, and he sighed. "Why does it have to be you!"
"Sumire is in the car. For some reason, she doesn't want to come out."
"Look, it's your fault." Mamoru turned to the doctor.
"You should be grateful I was at the reception when they hauled you in; otherwise, you would have been denied entry."
"Oh great, Nagawa-sama, I am forever in your debt," Mamoru said sarcastically.
"Forget it. About your results, I think you should be hospitalized. You have tuberculosis."
Toh's eyes widened upon hearing the doctor's diagnosis. So, this must be why he left early the other night. Sumire was right. He was behaving oddly.
"This can be treated, so don't give up. But you need to be hospitalized for roughly six months. I can make the arrangements here."
"I appreciate it."
"Then I'll work on--"
"But no, thank you. I'll be fine. I can't leave Ki alone." Mamoru said firmly.
"You don't have to baby her," Sano said, irritated.
"I know, but she needs someone."
He watches the two for a few minutes. So, this doctor knows Sumire? Toh's gaze fell on the doctor's name tag. 'Nagawa Sano.' He thinks back to the list of names he saw on the girl's phone. He didn't see this name anywhere. Or maybe they aren't close enough to exchange numbers?
"If you need someone to watch over her. I can." Toh interjected.
He doesn't quite understand why Tsueno is so overprotective of Sumire. She indeed needs somebody to watch over her, but does she necessarily have to be watched over twenty-four-seven?
But this is good for him. Sumire most likely won't return home if she knows Tsueno won't be around. She will surely decide to stay with him longer.
Mamoru looked at him with a complicated expression.
"But your--"
"At least stay for two weeks, Tsueno," Sano interjected.
"Can I really leave her to you?" Mamoru looked at him doubtfully.
"Of course," Toh replied confidently.
Tsueno still looked very doubtful but ended up signing the papers the doctor gave him.
"How is Sumire? She had worked at the station today?" Mamoru asked.
"She was fine. I saw her with one of her friends."
A relieved sigh escaped Mamoru's lips. "Thank goodness." He trails off. "Recently, some bad rumors have been lurking around in the industry regarding Sumire. So, she will be targeted more by reporters and other artists. So, when she told me that she had some work at the station, I was worried. But it seems like the others are covering for her."
'The others, huh? Sumire mentioned that she was composing for a male idol group. The guy from earlier must be one of the members.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone