Mamoru
Still the reason Nagawa Sano is even helping him out, is most-likely because he wants to get into Ki's good side again. A deep sigh escaped his lips, as he recalled what happened not too long ago. In the end, he never asked Mashima or Ki what happened during his last day in the hospital. But there must have been some type of conflict, for Mashima to react the way he did.
Nagawa Sano has always found a way to irritate anybody he meets. So, it shouldn't surprise him. But he always thought Mashima Toh was the calm type. The type who would never loose control of himself.
But, it's just like he said. 'I have realized that I am just like any other regular guy.'
"I mean, from what I have seen with her and Mashima." Mamoru stammered.
Actually aside from what happened earlier today. He hasn't actually seen them get intimate. Let alone see how Ki behaves around him. There was that time not too long ago before they dated where he saw Ki not pushing Mashima away. But, generally he doesn't see their affectionate gestures with each other.
"Mashima." Sano repeated bitterly. "-took her first time, despite being older than her and you think they should stay together? At least I had my morals."
'Morals?' Mamoru had to stop himself from lashing out. He has a higher degree of empathy than most people. However, Ki told him everything about her relationship with Sano. Despite his claim to have morals, Nagawa made her do disgusting things.
Sano must have seen his expression since he sighed. "Alright, so perhaps Sumire and I didn't have a harmless innocent relationship. But it was all consent, I would never have forced her to do anything she didn't want to."
Mamoru truly felt sorry for him. He sounds so convinced of that. 'You don't have to force her to do anything. You emotionally manipulated her into doing those things with her, you didn't give her a chance to say no.'
"Mashima won't harm her, you don't have to worry. I just came back from seeing them both, she seems well."
"Is she living with him? I have passed by her house a few times, and she doesn't seem to be there much."
His sweat fell hearing those words. "Didn't I tell you to keep that stalking habit of yours under control? Don't blame me if she calls the cops on you."
"I'll make sure I don't get caught. But, there are times where I cannot control myself. Times where I can't stop thinking about her."
Mamoru sighed deeply. The problem with having more empathy than most people is he can't get angry at them. Because he understands, he truly does. Despite Nagawa's strange way of showing his love for Ki, no doubt those feelings are genuine.
He wants to give some advice, any type of advice. But, just like his conversation with Toh earlier. He is speechless. There is nothing he can advise these people who like Ki. Nothing he can say that will make them feel any better, because in the end the decision is not his. It's hers..
...
SUMIRE
When she woke up and found Toh on the phone talking angrily to someone. She decided to slip away for a bit. She didn't know whether he even realized that she had left the house yet, since he hadn't sent her a message in the hour since she left. She was wandering around town with no particular destination in mind, when she found herself in Masato's grandfather's shop.
Masato, Mikaze-kun and Nao were there.
For the past few minutes she had been watching a broadcast of Best music when their performance came on.
Mikaze: Say, what do you think it is I am lacking every day? I fight a difficult battle. But oh, I wish I could quit; this is something I have never thought.
Masato: The dream I found when I was little was like a meteor shower racing through the sky
Nao: Oh, I know I'll never regret it; it's just as I thought
Mikaze: One day, when I look up at that stage
Masato: ..though it feels so very far away
Nao: You can hear that signal to start, right?
All: It's just for us. Shine! Shine! Like jewels. Sing! Sing! Until I sparkle. Without you by my side, smiling at me. So that I am worthy of you. Shine! Shine! Brighter than a diamond.
Sing! Sing, I want to twinkle brightly right by your side.
"Ahhh! Don't watch that! I made a mistake." Mikaze exclaimed loudly as he stood in front of the TV screen blocking the broadcast.
Sumire giggled. "It's okay. Nao always makes mistakes, and more obvious ones."
At those words Nao strolled over and stretched her cheeks. "That's a bold comment. It seems the Princess has finally decided to stop avoiding me."
"I wasn't avoiding you on purpose! It's because your so scary."
"I don't trust Mashima." Nao commented flatly. "And you would do the same not to trust him too. He is suspicious. Your meeting with him was no coincidence, and the things that have happened since you met him."
"I know already." Sumire snapped back.
How many times does she have to hear this conversation? She is so sick and tired of people doubting Toh. She understands their concerns, and their points are valid. But, Toh has never done anything to harm her. He has done nothing but treat her with respect and kindness.
Just listing all his good qualities in her head makes her miss him already. Sumire takes her phone out, preparing to send him a message only to see one unread message from him.
From: Toh
I'll admit I am impressed, you are getting better at sneaking away from me beautiful.
From: Sumire
Maybe because I didn't have to stare at your pretty face.
From: Toh
I'll make note of that next time you think about leaving my bed. Or maybe the next time you're in my bed discussing my godlike physique.
Sumire paused seeing those words. Indeed, she can't deny that Toh's body far surpasses most guys-although she doesn't have much to compare him to. Just as she thought that, an image of Yuhi-san working out in the Holy Knights headquarters gym flashes through her mind. How many times did she get a glimpse of his skin?
Her cheeks reddened and she frantically shakes her head. No, no. No. What is she doing thinking of another guy's skin when she has a boyfriend?