Unusual feelings

"Also, I know you took a leave of absence from school, but you should at least drop by your studio. Your models are complaining."

The models he chose for the show, huh? Since he met Sumire, he hasn't been in contact with them. Right, the 'lead model' he initially chose, they spent a lot of time together, and the last time they met, she made a move on him. Back then, he still saw that annoying woman, so he brushed it off, but he did consider it. 'If the boss has no projects for me, I won't mind entertaining this woman for a while.'

He normally 'dates' his lead models anyway, so it wouldn't be unusual. The one making a fuss and complaining is probably her. Toh sighs. He truly hates women like this.

"I see. I will drop by."

It was a vague promise. He didn't want to go anywhere until he could safely confirm that Sumire's condition was better.

After a few more words, he shut the door and made his way back up the stairs.

'I could just send that other woman a message. But I didn't exchange mail addresses with her for this exact reason. Otherwise, by now, she would have bothered me with so many messages.'

He will drop by, but only after Sumire has fully recovered. She may seem okay in the surface, but she still has those attacks at night and during random parts of the day. It's far too risky to leave her alone now.

The only time he leaves her by herself is when she is in the bathroom. Even then, he has emergency cameras and sensors in there if she does anything dangerous.

Toh returned to the room, pulled out a tray from the corner of the room, and pulled out several dishes.

'How unusual, she hasn't finished her bath yet? She normally doesn't take that long. Did something happen? But none of the sensors went off. Should he check the cameras? But it would be bad if she is still bathing.

He walked over to the door and knocked.

There was no response. Frowning, Toh leaned his face against the door.

It indicated that she had switched the shower off, so Sumire was already done taking her shower. But it was weird that he didn't hear her footsteps. Strangely, she isn't leaving immediately. He thought she would take this opportunity to change since he wasn't in the room.

Toh recalled something that happened not too long ago and sighed. Now that he thinks about it, he turned the doorknob and entered the bathroom. It was a similar scene to what happened previously. Since this has happened before, Toh isn't surprised and scoops her up in his arms.

"Toh?" Sumire mumbled.

"Yes, it's me." Toh trails off. "Sorry, I shouldn't have left you alone even for a moment."

That is exactly what Tsueno did, and she ended up in a bad state. Her condition still isn't good. Even though she has gotten much better, leaving her alone is not good. But he can't exactly go with her when she is bathing.

Sumire laughs. "I know you were trying to be a gentleman."

"Do I have to try? I think I am one."

"That is true." Sumire trails off. "Sorry, I increased the heating on purpose." Her voice turned quiet.

He immediately understood despite her vague explanation. So, she is still having suicidal thoughts. Toh didn't say anything but bent down and placed soft kisses on her forehead.

"Toh-"

Toh's gaze is gentle. "You don't have to explain anything. I understand."

"Thank you," Sumire mumbled.

"If you're going to thank me, maybe you should do so in more clothes."

At those words, the girl turned red. "I-I know I'm not nice to look at, but there was only a small towel."

Toh blinked, hearing her frantic explanation. That's her main concern? His lips curve to a smile.

"You don't have to worry. I like what I am seeing."

Sumire didn't speak after that, but he saw her face getting redder and redder. What a cute little thing. Toh, held himself back from giving her another kiss and brought her back to the room.

Toh picks up some clothes for her and passes it to her while he gets the dishes ready on the table.

He hears the sound of rustling, and Sumire eventually tells him to turn around. "The food?"

"It's ready."

Sumire immediately takes a seat. Her eyes brightened as she looked at the food on the table.

'So many meat dishes, so she likes meat, huh?' That explains her behaviour during breakfast.

"Thank you for the food."

It's strange. He still doesn't understand exactly what makes her special. So far, she has shown him many sides of herself. But other than her being slightly cuter than the others, what else is there?

Toh shakes his head as he stands up, walks over to one of his cabinets, and pulls out a cold compress. Since he took care of her last time, he bought medical supplies to familiarise himself with it. Knowing that she would come here often. Since she is warm, she will need one of these. It's better than the towel since it won't fall off even if she moves around.

"Turn around," Toh instructed. Sumire did so, and he placed the compress on her forehead.

"That's cold. But it feels nice."

She should eat and get some nutrients. Then he can give her some medication. He sat back down opposite her and continued staring. Why does she look so mature for a sixteen-year-old? There is a saying that people will age faster if they go through hardships. But that saying shouldn't apply to this case.

Toh shakes his head. There must be something wrong with him. He has seen countless women before, some who are even prettier than her. But why is she the only one who has such a strong impact on him? There is something wrong with him. No matter how many psychological analysis he conducts, he cannot work out an answer.