For the sake of another person

"But I understand why you're suspicious." Sumire trailed off. "Incidents are glorified, and heroic acts are subjected to criticism. That is how the holy knights work. This incident was turned into a heroic story, and the hero this time-"

"It was Kenji." Toh finished.

It surprised him when he saw the news and how the next few days, people were praising him. That's how the Holy knights work, huh? He is sure that other organizations would do the same. However, it's interesting to hear about it from a core member.

"It frustrated me since he was the first one to run away. But considering how he was the first one to approach the bad people and to negotiate, Aki said it would be easier to turn him into a hero. Besides, he wanted to ensure that everything about me and Futaba was erased from the security footage and the people who saw us."

'He must have gotten an evolved human who can wipe people's memories, or he could have easily killed those who saw Sumire and Momoi Futaba.'

The latter is more likely than the first one. After all, evolved humans with the power to wipe people's memories often experience severe side effects. Unless he had somebody willing to take that risk for him, Toh doubted he would use that method.

"I wasn't happy with how it was dealt with, but Aki said, 'then do you want us to report the truth?' He said that all threateningly. Of course, I have no intention of going to jail over something like a little test. So I shut my mouth. With my debut coming up, I cannot afford any trouble."

So she, at the very least, understands how dangerous her situation is. If the media find out how involved she is in the underworld, it will destroy any hope for her to have a career. But she still won't quit the underworld?

'I need to find out more information. Sure, Aki saved her life. But even she said she wasn't planning on staying with him long. What else made her stay?'

His thoughts broke off, realizing how close she was looking at him.

"What?"

"I want to know how involved you are in the underworld. I mean, I know you're a criminal psychologist, and you have seen a lot. But I want to know if you have combat skills too." Sumire paused. "Is this me overstepping my boundary?"

"Your boundary?" Toh repeated.

"I know we are getting to know each other. But there are certain questions which I can't ask until we get closer. I know some people act weirdly when questioned about their combat skills. So I was wondering if you were one of those types."

"It doesn't bother me," Toh replied immediately. "I can fight if that is what you want to know."

At those words, her eyes sparkled. "Then what if we spared a little?"

"Sparing?"

"Mm, but with wooden swords. We could do so with guns and rubber bullets too, but I can get a better glimpse of how you fight with a sword."

She suddenly seems excited.

"That's fine with me, but where should we do this?"

"Hmmm." Sumire trailed off. "I have a training room for myself in the Holy knights quarters, but I'll have to ask permission for you to come and get you a permit."

"Then let's do that."

Sumire looked at him up and down for a moment. "But I will warn you in advance, the people there can be quite hostile to strangers, and there are some immature ones too. So you should stay by my side, so I can protect you."

Toh could only sigh hearing those words. This girl doesn't act like a girl sometimes.

"Ah, is it no good?" Sumire must have misunderstood his sigh. "I mean, we could do it in my place too, or an area with an open field-"

He cut his sentence off by brushing his forehead against hers. "I don't mind. I'll do whatever you want. I am yours to command."

Before he could so much bend down and kiss her, Sumire immediately scrambled off his lap.

"A bath! I'll be borrowing your bath now. Toh, I will leave the dishes to you." Sumire suddenly exclaimed.

Toh could only nod and watched as she did a strange walk until she was out of the room. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. It's not like he doesn't understand her behaviour.

Not only is she not used to acts of affection, but she generally isn't used to any form of touching or getting close. It is like she has something programmed in her mind to reject others when they get close, and yet she doesn't hesitate to touch his cheek whenever she gets the chance.

Maybe she is getting better? He recalled Momoi Futaba's words. From that brief conversation, it seems like everybody in Sumire's friendship group is doing their best to heal her wounded heart. If that is the type of help she needs, then as a psychologist, he should be the best fit for this.

Perhaps Momoi doesn't know what his profession is. No, that can't be right. Momoi Futaba communicates with his grandmother often. There is no way that she doesn't know.

His thoughts break off hearing the sound of his phone, and Toh sighed.

"Boss, you keep calling me more frequently recently. I am starting to think that you do not trust me anymore."

In the past, whenever the boss gave him a job to do, the man would simply give him the details and wouldn't call him until the job ended. Or if he changed his mind and wanted to keep the targets alive. But other than that, normally, he would not call this often.

"I was just wondering if you had encountered her yet."

"If I did, you would be the first one to know." Toh trailed off. "Do you want to tell me you changed your mind? She is your woman, after all. It would make more sense if you just ordered me to bring her to you."

At those words, he hears a chuckle at the other end of the line.

"Rest assured, even I understand the situation. I have a question for you. Recently there was that gas explosion incident, and a little birdie told me you had an event there that day."

"That is correct, sir."

"Tell me all the details. I already know the Holy Knights covered the news, but it surprised me that they went that far even to plant a false hero."

This person already knows that much. What actually happened, huh? The image of Sumire soaked in blood appeared in his mind.

'I certainly cannot tell him that.'

For the first time since this man picked him up, he will lie. The first time he is lying, it is not for his sake but for the sake of another person.