Mixed emotions

Sumire didn't know what to say and she takes out another boxed lunch. It was the one Toh made for her. She felt very awkward. It didn't seem right for just her and Ru to eat. Thankfully she made a lot so she gave some to Sano. Sano was staring at the boxed lunch with surprise.

"Don't worry, it's not poison. I-I can cook a little now." Sumire said nervously.

She truly doesn't know what to say to him. The last time they saw each other, it wasn't the best circumstance. Two entire months have gone by since that time, but it still feels weird being around him right now.

She freezes when Sano pulled up another chair and sat beside her. Sumire awkwardly watched him eat.

"You're right, this is good." Sano complimented.

Mamoru breaks the awkward silence. "How do you feel today Ki? Are you alright?"

"I'm okay."

She checked the news briefly this morning when she was cooking, and there was nothing negative.

Sumire turned to him. "Ru, you still look pale. Won't you tell me what's wrong?"

"It's just a cold."

"You wouldn't faint if it was just a cold." Sumire argued.

"Do we really need to discuss this Ki? You know I don't like lying to you. But I can't tell you."

Sumire frowns hearing his words. So in otherwords if she were to keep on insisting, he will have no choice but to tell her. She sighs deeply.

"Alright, but you have to listen to the doctors instructions. Eat and then have your medicine."

Mamoru sighed. "The medicine is so bitter and horrible."

Sumire frowned. He isn't being poisoned is he? She still doesn't understand why Sano is even helping him out.

Sano suddenly placed something in her hand, it was a box of pills. "Here, you can have it examined if you want."

Her cheeks reddened embarrassed. "T-that, I don't-"

He didn't say anything else and continued to eat. Sumire kept her head down. What is she doing? He is already doing so much for Ru, why did she behave like that? Mamoru tried to ease the tension by making small talk, but she did a good job making it awkward.

After a few minutes Sano stood up to get some files, and Sumire found herself standing up too. But she paused in front of the door.

"Go." Mamoru called out. "Even if he doesn't tell you why he hurt you, you can at least be civil towards each other."

Indeed, there was something different about Sano. No, he seems calmer and less stressed since the last time they saw each other. To be civil huh? She doubts she is going to get actual answers for his behaviour towards her on christmas. But, maybe they can become friends?

Sumire nodded and quickly followed Sano. Where did he go? Sumire isn't searching for long when she felt somebody grab hold of her wrist. In the next second she is pulled into an empty hospital room.

"San-"

Sano places his hand on her mouth and tells her to be quiet.

After a few minutes she hears the sound of another pair of footsteps. A girl with bright green hair wearing flashy clothes was looking around. She looked slightly different, but Sumire recognised him as one of the woman Sano cheated on her with.

"I thought he was here."

The girl stormed off angrily and Sano let's go of her then.

"Sorry about that."

Sumire nodded. Maybe they had a fight? It seems like he is avoiding her.

Sano flicked the lights on and Sumire realised they were in what looked like a doctors office. Sano walked over and put the kettle on.

"Do you want to sit down?"

Sumire shakes her head. "Um, I just want to apologise for suspecting you."

"It's only normal for you to suspect me." Sano trails off. "Sit down."

"Um-"

"Your hands have cuts. Let me treat it."

She awkwardly nodded and took a seat on the couch. After a few minutes Sano walked over with a first aid kit.

"You didn't have to try so hard to do something your not good at."

This is one of the things she disliked about him. He always said such negative things, instead of encourage her he would put her down. But, now that they have broken up. She can see it a bit differently. Perhaps, this is just how he was raised.

"Was it good? You ate it all." Sumire decided to steer the topic into a different direction.

"Yeah, you have really gotten better."

He truly is acting weird. She thought the next time they saw each other, he would be more hostile. She still can't forget how he looked at her with such a hostile look in his eyes, and the painful words he said.

Sumire didn't realise that he had grabbed hold of her hand and how she just naturally allowed him to take it. It wouldn't surprise her if she was the one who extended her hand out. It seems like old habits don't fade that quickly. They did date each other for a long time, so it's only natural that she still hasn't broken her bad habits.

This is one of the main reasons why she tried her best to avoid him. She didn't want to do something stupid and embarass herself. This is a small town, so it wasn't easy to do that.

Sumire watched as Sano silently patched up the cuts on her fingers. It surprised her how gentle he was being, and when she flinched even a little he would pause and look at her. He wouldn't directly ask if she was okay, but she understood from the way he looked at her.

Now that she thought about it, he was like this when they dated too. There were times where he wouldn't talk to her, but she just naturally understood that he cared for her. It was so unusual, and made no sense. But, for her it was just right.

Her thoughts break off when Sano suddenly leaned forward.

"U-uh, D-Dr Nagawa, don't you think your a bit too close?"

"You smell sweet. Did you start putting perfume on? You never wore any before."

Oh, it's just the perfume? Sumire nodded. "Yes, lately I've been a bit more interested in fashion."

"Is it because of that man?"

'That man?' Sumire looked at him questioningly but Sano didn't continue the topic and started to sniff her neck. She really ought to do something about this. It would be easier if she just hits him, and she could easily do so. But, then what if Ru gets kicked out of the hospital? Ru still doesn't look well.

If she stays still for a few minutes maybe he will get tired of it.

*Unedited*