A fresh start

Before she could say anything, Toh pulled her into his embrace. "I think you are making a mistake. The one doing the seducing is me."

Sachiko is shocked for a moment before she bursts into laughter. "Toh-sama, I know you are kind. But please don't waste your kindness on this girl. We were in the same company before, and she caused so many problems."

'I caused problems?' Sumire wanted to shout and refute those words. But she can't deny it completely. An idol that cannot sing on stage is useless. Her thoughts break off when she felt a familiar sensation on her lips. It was a brief yet gentle kiss from Toh.

Sachiko's expression turned pale. "T-Toh-sama, you can't seriously be considering this woman!"

"I already gave you enough proof. Unless you want to see it again? I don't mind."

Sumire looked at Toh, horrified. Is he crazy? Kissing her in the middle of the station? There was only a small crowd gathered before, but after Toh kissed her, there were so many people.

Masato takes a step forward. "I believe this is enough. Suppose you want to continue slandering our artist with no evidence, Miss Kita. Then we will have no choice but to take legal action. Your company was the one who wanted to kick her out and terminate the contract early. Should I list the charges we would have against blueberry entertainment?"

At the words 'legal' action, the girl takes a step backward. "Very well. I will leave it like this. But don't say I didn't warn you. That girl is nothing but trouble." Sachiko chuckled. "Star company will have to answer to the media if she fails to perform."

Sumire clenched her fists tightly. Indeed, if she fails to perform, the company will have problems.

The minute Sachiko left, all the strength in her body disappeared, and she almost collapsed onto the ground. Thankfully Toh was supporting her.

"Are you alright?" Toh turned to her.

"I-" Sumire trails off. She didn't know what to say. She still felt flustered after being kissed in front of everyone.

"Mashima-san, please take her outside to calm down. It's not her turn yet. I will call you over when it starts." Masato advised.

Toh nodded and took her outside to the back of the building. The minute they got outside, Sumire glared at him, and Toh chuckled. "Why are you upset?"

"Why did you kiss me just now?" Sumire questioned.

"It was the only way to silence that woman."

"B-but to kiss me." Sumire averts her gaze. "Aren't you worried that there will be rumors?"

"I don't mind the rumors. Are you worried that it will affect you?"

Sumire slowly nodded. It wouldn't look good if she had a boyfriend. She hasn't even debuted or established herself in the industry yet. To have a boyfriend now would look bad.

Toh kisses her forehead. "I will take care of it, so relax, okay?"

She doesn't understand why. But she trusts everything Toh says. She trusts that it will truly be okay. Sumire nestled her face into his arms, and Toh ran his fingers through her back. Whenever he hugs her like this, she feels content and at ease.

"Were you bullied in your last company? That girl seems to be very hostile towards you."

"Mm, just a little. I had the same problems as I do now. I couldn't sing on stage. Initially, the company showed great interest in me because of my voice, but when they realized I couldn't sing on stage. They quickly dismissed me."

'It didn't take me long to realize that they were only after my inheritance and the Ibuki family name to save their dying company.'

But she can't reveal this story to Toh just yet.

"I see, but your in a good place right now. Star company seems to treasure you. Your staff members were giving that girl the harshest glare just now."

Sumire sweat fell. She did notice that and secretly sent a message in the company group chat. If she didn't do that, they would have confronted Kita Sachiko. They were already gathering enough attention.

"I think you treasure me too," Sumire mumbled quietly.

Toh chuckled. "Of course I do." He trails off. "So hey, we have known each other for a while now."

That's right. She can no longer refer to him as a stranger. It's been an entire month since they met and got to know each other.

"Mm."

"Do you want to go out with me?"

It takes her a moment to register those words. Huh? Is he asking her on a date? No, that's not it. He has taken her on many outings with the intention of it being a date, but he has never forced her.

"Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"

Toh's lips curve to a smile. "You're smart. That is exactly what I am asking."

To be his girlfriend, huh? To be honest, it's not like she never thought about it. They have known each other for a month and have been living together for a while now. The interest she showed him from the beginning has changed, and she wouldn't be against entering a relationship with him.

"After the music program tomorrow, I will give you an answer. Can you wait until then?"

Toh blinked, surprised, and then hugged her tighter. "So, it's only a day a way. I can wait."

Her gaze softened, hearing his happy tone. Toh probably knows what her answer will be.

A new relationship, a fresh start.

Initially, when Masaru mentioned it, she was against the idea. But after she got to know Toh, she started to think that maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea. There is no doubt that she still has feelings for Yuhi; however, she feels something toward Toh now. It's something small, like a grain of sand. But it is something that will bloom if she properly gives him that chance.

Even if it didn't work out, Sumire knew that Toh wouldn't blame her, and he would even stay her friend. But first, she wants to get the music program out of the way. If she can perform successfully on stage in front of everybody at least once, she can resolve her feelings.