44 Support from a distance

She ought to be careful; her night vision is not the best. But she did not have to worry about that since Mamoru led the way; the entire time, he did not let go of her hand. Recently it feels like something has changed between them.

Unfortunately, she is not brave enough to do something like that.

"Ru, let's check out the crime scene first. It seems like he was meeting with another informant."

"I don't mind doing that, but Ki, will you do me a favor?"

"What's wrong?"

"Will you meet Yuhi?"

At those words, Sumire froze, and she quickly realized why Ru agreed for them to go out despite his repeated warnings. Sumire yanked her hand away.

"You know I cant, Ru. Please don't do this."

Mamoru sighed deeply and ran his hands through his hair. "I am just worried about your condition Ki. I know that in the past, when Yuhi was around, he was able to calm you down."

"But Ru, you also-"

At those words, Mamoru cut her off by shaking his head. "You know that isn't true. I can only ease your pain a little. But if it's Yuhi, you'll be able to smile more naturally."

Ah, why did she think that this person was strong? Just like her, he must be facing his own burdens. Sumire hesitantly took a step forward and hugged him. "I won't see Yuhi, Ru. I still haven't repaid you for helping me this entire time."

Perhaps a part of her had already decided a long time ago. The main reason why she could not accept Yuhi's hand was because it would mean leaving this person behind.

The human heart is a complicated thing. She does not understand her own emotions very well. How does she differentiate between feelings of gratitude and love? She is thankful to Ru, but she does not love him. She loves Yuhi, but she is also thankful.

After hugging for a few minutes, Mamoru is the first to draw back. She noticed how red his face was, causing her to blush too.

"Uh, sorry about that. I'll tell Yuhi to go back."

"R-right."

But that means Yuhi is nearby? Ru must have waited for an opportunity like this.

"Hey, Yuhi? Sorry change of plans. Ki isn't feeling well."

Sumire blinked when she heard Mamoru's words. She indeed had a slight fever earlier, but it went away after she got some sleep. Is he trying to make an excuse for her?

She hesitantly got closer to Mamoru and listened in.

The moment she did, she heard a familiar chuckle.

"Mamoru, you are not a very good liar. I can see everything; she is fine. But damn brat, how dare you hug her for that long?"

"H-hey, it wasn't me-"

Sumire stepped on his foot when she heard Mamoru's words. What is he doing telling Yuhi that? More importantly, Yuhi saw her hug another man out of her own violation. Even if that other person is Ru, does it not send the wrong message?

"I know. Tell Sumire she looks cute in that nightgown even with her cloak on."

"If you want to pass on such words, you should tell yourself."

"I won't until she wants to meet me. I have to head back tonight. But there will be another event here soon. I hope she is willing to meet me then."

At those words, her eyes widened. For a moment, she felt disappointed, knowing he would be leaving soon.

"I'll save her a front-row seat for my concert; make sure to persuade her." Yuhi trailed off. "Also, I went ahead and searched for the guy who beat up your friend. I tied him up in a warehouse."

Before Mamoru could react, Yuhi ended the call. Sumire, however, focused on the words Yuhi just said.

'He called me cute.' He indeed used to say such words to her before, but it is different now that she knows about his feelings for her. Sumire felt her red cheeks heat up as she played with her fingers. Sumire tugged on Mamoru's clothes.

"T-the concert, can you get some details?"

If it's in a concert venue, Yuhi won't be able to see her amongst thousands of people. Surely he understands that too and yet he made the arrangements.

Mamoru sighed deeply. "Ki, you better not show that expression to the fools we are about to see. I don't want them having strange thoughts about you."

"I-I know, let me calm down."

It has been a long time since she last heard Yuhi's voice. When she dated Sano, she restrained herself from fan girling over Yuhi's songs or watching his videos, or attending his concerts. It has been a difficult year. But now that she is free from those shackles, she can go back to supporting him like a normal fan would.

The idea of seeing Yuhi again is enough to brighten her up. Despite the terrible nightmare she experienced, she felt cheerful.

"Let's check out the warehouse."

Mamoru's sweat fell. "Poor Jack getting neglected."

"That guy won't roll over even if he loses a limb; you know that very well."

They headed to the warehouse based on Yuhi's instructions. Based on the amount of blood in the surroundings. It seemed like there was a one-sided struggle. Whoever Yuhi caught is probably an underling, and the real culprit is somebody else. But it is better than nothing.

She spotted a man tied to the pillar, but when she saw who it was. Sumire wanted to hit him. Why is it this guy again? It was one of the leaders who started that skirmish the other day. Maybe she ought to have crippled him for good.

Her gaze fell on his legs, and she blinked, surprised. There was no sign of the damage that she had caused him before. This is strange; she definitely stabbed him in several places, so he would not be able to move for at least a few months.

Lucien woke up right that moment; the minute his eyes fell on her examining his legs, he burst into laughter. "Hahaha, you foolish woman. Did you truly think you got me? I'd never die from something like that."

"So, were you trying to take revenge on me, and you started with my informat?"

"The best way to take down a haughty woman like you is to destroy your reputation. If you suddenly stopped getting information, you would not be able to work properly."

Sumire sighed when she heard the nonsense that left his lips. "I think I should let you know. I have more than one informant. I mean, everybody in this industry has at least another person to supply them with information."

"That's a lie. I have never seen them before."

This guy is so pathetic; she doesn't even want to waste words on him anymore. But considering his former status, maybe she ought to enlighten him a little.