Chapter 114: Something has changed

Is she interested in him because she has never met anybody like him? This is a new experience for her. She had never been this interested in another person before. Why is Toh so different from the rest? Why does she want to continue getting closer?

'There is still so much I need to learn about him. But, I do not mind our current relationship.'

Toh chuckled and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "That is enough for today. What were you planning for breakfast?"

"Omelettes. But," Sumire paused. "-I fail those more than anything."

"Relax, you have me by your side. I will make sure you get it right." Toh trailed off. "I'm going to take a quick shower and head downstairs."

"Alright." When she receives a text message, Sumire exits the room and makes her way downstairs.

From: Mamoru

(Attached details of University S Level case, analysis from forensics regarding the substances we found at the gate of the university)

That's right, their trips to the university weren't for nothing. However, they couldn't go inside aside from that one time she had to rest on the benches. It was actually enough to stand by the gate.

"Hello, Ru? I just skimmed through it, but a pharmaceutical company supplied the substance?"

"That was fast. It's actually hard to tie this to the company, although the source was the company. The one who was supposedly handling the substances was an apprentice worker who had apparently yet to formally sign a contract with them."

"So now they are denying all claims?" Sumire sighed. "This is troublesome to deal with."

"I spoke to a lawyer friend, and they said that it would be difficult if this became a legal case. However, if we can find evidence that this was a criminal case, then they can help."

"But, I don't think it will be a criminal case unless the victims are dead." Sumire paused. "According to Toh's hint, the girl from the university case is alive."

"I think this would be a good chance to discuss the details with Mashima."

"That's true."

'We were supposed to discuss it when we headed back from visiting that flower park. But, we ended up working on his designs for the show like usual Then we ended up cooking and falling asleep together-'

Hold on a moment. Doesn't it feel like she is getting distracted? Not once since she started staying over at Toh's place has she discussed the case with him? Instead, they have been doing more couple-like things-

"Ru, maybe I should go home."

"H-huh?" Mamoru seemed startled. "What's wrong? He's not bullying you, is he?"

Sensing his wary tone, Sumire laughed. "What are you talking about? Toh won't hurt me."

"B-but you suddenly want to return. I thought you were having fun over there."

"It just feels like if I stay here any longer, I will start relying on him more than I have to."

At those words, Mamoru paused, and the other end went silent for a few seconds before he spoke up. "I don't think there is anything wrong with that. He is someone who can help you."

When Ru visited not too long ago, they never discussed anything related to what happened on the fourteenth. No, Ru couldn't ask her anything; she wouldn't give him the opportunity to.

"That's true," Sumire recalled what happened in the flower park. In a field of blue and purple hydrangeas. The words he spoke to her and that strong, clear gaze in his eyes. Just remembering it made her blush.

His voice sounds very seductive even though he is talking to her normally. It's unfair. It always feels like he is trying to seduce her when he actually isn't.

"Ki? Is something wrong?"

"Uh no." Sumire trailed off. "I-I will have a look at the case files properly and tell you what I think later."

"Yeah, please do so."

She hears voices in the background and the sound of water and birds.

"Ru, are you out of town?" Sumire wondered.

Although beaches and water surround star town, it's not a coastal village.

"Listen to this and be impressed. I'm fishing." Mamoru said happily.

Her gaze dimmed. 'I knew it, I left him alone for a few days, and he did something stupid.'

"Here, I thought you were working hard on the case or attending school, but you're slacking off." Sumire sighed.

She should have known better. No wonder he wasn't answering her calls. It's because he went out of town and ended up fishing. Mamoru has what is referred to as the 'adventure blood.' An individual who seeks adventures and new sights every day. Somebody who cannot stay in one place for too long.

He must have heard a rumor and left town to verify the source. Sumire sighs deeply. This is why she keeps a close eye on him. It's simply because the minute she leaves him alone, he goes off alone.

Mamoru laughed. "Sorry, sorry. But if I catch some great fish. The fishermen here said they will allow me to keep it."

Knowing Ru, he has probably made friends with everyone too. Sometimes she envies him for being able to speak with others so easily. It's so hard for her to make one friend, and even with her current friends. Sometimes she doesn't know how to start conversations with them.

"Ki, are you still okay there? Mashima isn't bullying you is he?"

Sumire chuckled. "Nobody can bully me. I am strong, remember."

"I know, but just because you are strong doesn't mean you don't need protecting." Mamoru said.

Sumire felt her heart flutter hearing Ru say those words. She had never noticed it before. But Ru tends to say comments that would make any girl happy. Ever since he confessed to her, she feels a bit more self-conscious whenever he says anything. It's strange. This is still the same Ru she has known this entire time. But, something has changed.

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