He doesn't know how long he spent standing there before Atushi yanked him out of the library.
Atushi dragged him down the hallway, until they were a slight distance away from the library.
"Have they--" Masato still couldn't register his shock.
Atushi sighed deeply and nodded.
"For the past two weeks."
Half a month, that had been going on for half a month? No wonder Sumire seemed different. No wonder, she seemed more mature.
This isn't Sumire's first relationship, Masato caught her with the other guy plenty of other times. However, he has to admit seeing her being so intimate with someone hurts him. But even more than that it upsets him that he wasn't the one who changed Sumire.
"Recently she has been dressing up more, laughing more too. Is that also Mashima's doing?" Masato pointed out.
Atushi nodded. "He seems to be a good influence on her."
Masato immediately sensed the hesitation in Atushi's voice. "You sound doubtful." He pointed out.
"It's just." Atushi trailed off. "You do know about Sumire being a member of the underworld right?"
Masato nods. "I do, but I don't know the details of how involved she is."
"Let's just say, she is so involved that people would bow down to her on the streets."
"Then, what are you trying to say?"
"It also means she has a huge target on her back." Atushi trailed off. "Mashima Toh is suspicious."
Masato frowned. "Do you think he will betray her?"
"Until I can find out which organisation he belongs to. He could be anybody. Sumire told me how they first met, and if I think about the events that happened afterwards. It's just too much of a coincidence. Something is wrong."
"Is that why you have been so busy? You've been skipping out on the meetings for the concur. Have you even been practicing?"
Atushi sighed deeply. "Don't lecture me too. Sumire already did that."
Masato blinked. "You've been seeing her?"
His friend shakes his head, and a relieved sigh escaped his lips. It's stupid to feel jealous. His entire friendship group has a crush on Sumire.
"You look way too relieved." Atushi sighed. "Well, I do get how you feel. I'm not exactly comfortable seeing Sumire being intimate with another guy."
"That is surprising, you act so calm and composed around her now."
"Well, that's because. Before I liked her, we were rivals, and then friends. I guess the friendship and competitive nature from our rivalry allows me to act normal around her." Atushi trailed off. "I guess, you fell for her before the friendship kicked in?"
Masato slumped to the ground in defeat. "Love at first sight. It sounds cliche saying this. But I fell for her the moment I saw her singing with the kids in the orphanage on the day of the entrance exams for moonlight academy. "
Four entire years have passed since that day. Four since Ibuki Sumire came everything to him, and since he fell in love with music all over again.
Atushi patted his shoulder. "It sounds like you really like her."
"Don't you?"
"I do, but I also know when to step back. If she is truly happy with Mashima, then I will let her go. But, not until I am positive that Mashima won't betray her."
Masato wanted to say that he would help, and do whatever he can for Sumire. However. When it comes to the underworld he knew better than to intervene. His father would have a heart attack if he meddled in anything that would stain the Senna family name.
'If Sumire is that well known in the underworld.' It's surprising that his father hasn't heard of her. If he did, his enthusiasm would fade and certainly turn into a lecture about the type of company he should be keeping
'I definitely can't let him find out. I have always been powerless against my father.'
Hearing footsteps approaching, Masato turned to see Sumire. "Right, sorry about that! Let's continue with the studying session."
'I guess Mashima left the other way.' But, Masato's gaze fell on the girl. There were marks on her neck, and her clothes looked ruffled.
"Are you sure you can study in your state?" Atushi said.
Sumire frantically tried to fix the creases on her clothing. Masato slipped his jacket off, intending to offer it to her. When Mashima reappeared and slipped his jacket casually over her shoulders.
"I'm afraid I might be a bit late tonight."
"I'll wait."
Toh kissed Sumire's forehead softly. "Then I'll see you tonight. I'll get you a gift."
Sumire laughed. "There is no need, just come back."
She said it casually, but Masato knew Sumire very well by now. She genuinely means that.
"Always, beautiful."
After hearing a few more sappy exchanges, Mashima was no longer in sight.
Atushi was the first to break the silence. "You know, you two are strangely good together."
Sumire sighed. "What's with that strange comment?" She trailed off. "Besides, I still don't know how I feel about him."
Masato's eyes widened surprised at her words. He thought they were getting along very well.
"Is this still about Yuhi?"
Sumire didn't have to reply, her expression betrayed her.
Terashima Yuhi, of course Masato knew who he was. They have crossed paths only a few times but during those few times, he saw how Terashima interacted with Sumire. 'This guy is different from the rest.' It was one of the first thoughts he had when he saw them together.
Masato turned to Atushi who nodded and quickly left. "So, you still-"
Sumire laughed weakly. "You noticed it didn't you Masato? When I first introduced you to Yuhi."
"I did." Masato admitted.
But he ignored it. He wanted to believe that he still stood a chance.
"I don't deserve Yuhi, and I never will. Even if I debut, and become popular. Something like me will never deserve him."
Masato wanted to scream, he wanted to tell her that she was wrong. That she does deserve to be happy with the one she loves. However, the words were stuck in his tongue. He can't help her. He can't be the one to erase her pain.
He thinks back to how casually Mashima touched her, and how Sumire's gaze lingered on his back when he walked away. Perhaps he should just leave it like this. Like Atushi said, he should also learn when to step back.
As a friend, he will always be here for her. Masato extended his hand out and patted her hair. "If you need me, I will be here."
Sumire laughed weakly but nodded. "Mm, thank you Masato."
*Unedited*