White feathers *Masaru*

Unknown to them, a man with golden blonde colored hair stood outside the door. 'I chased after her when I saw that she was heading this way, but I ended up seeing something interesting.'

He first watched the scene with great interest, preparing to step in. Masato is his childhood friend; whether or not he liked to admit it, he knew his tantrums well. He prepared to step in just in case it got out of hand.

But there was no need, as expected of the lady. She truly knows how to handle people.

Masato seems to be getting impatient. This is a bit dangerous. He cannot allow any of the other guys to confess to her. Sumire behaves the way she does, and her suicide attempts have decreased. But, that was only when she was dating Nagawa Sano. Now that the two have broken up, she is like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

His gaze fell on the girl. It would be nice if she would continue smiling like this. But that smile is only temporary.

He turned to walk down the hallway, deep in thought.

Ever since he was younger, he said ' Yes' to every single female request. Whatever they wanted him to do, he would say yes; that's how it was.

He had a policy about it, about being nice to girls. Ever since he was younger, that was the case. However, as he grew up, he realized how much of a responsibility it actually was.

Originally he was not a player, but at some point, because he said yes to every girl, people started to label him one.

If they knew that he only treated females nicer because of his mother's tragic past, he wonders what they would all say. He can deceive others with a single smile on his face; it is easy. He thought he could continue this facade, but she saw right through him.

His thoughts broke off when he heard the sound of somebody coughing. But it was no normal cough. Masaru sighed deeply, and he took walked up a flight of stairs; there, crouched in a corner, was Tsueno Mamoru.

He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to him.

"Thanks."

"Hey, you still haven't told her?"

"It's fine. It's nothing life-threatening."

"It will be if you don't get yourself admitted to hospital." Masaru sighed.

Tsueno Mamoru was someone he became acquainted with when he first started getting involved in the underworld. This man is smart and has a high IQ. People call him a genius, and he has the strongest ability around. But, for him?

"Is there any need to continue being a stubborn idiot? You're sick. I heard what the doctors said to you last time. If you continue like this, it will become life-threatening." He took the handkerchief from Mamoru and confirmed his words. "Do you think coughing up blood is normal?"

There were red patches on the handkerchief he had given him moments ago.

"I don't want to leave Ki alone. Masaru, you should know, right?"

"Of course I understand. The lady's state isn't stable recently. There were signs before the break-up, but it was only small. The breakup just made things worse."

"Her debut too; she seems very concerned. I can't leave her side right now. If I get hospitalized, it will be for a good half-year or even longer than that. I can't afford not to be by her side that long. We did not see each other for two weeks, and she ended up hurting herself again. Masaru, I have to stay with her."

"I know you trust us," Masaru mumbled. "The others and I could-"

Mamoru shook his head. "The reason why I am not just entrusting her with all of you is obvious. If you all spend that much time with her, you will not be able to hold your feelings back for her."

"Just now, Masato-"

"Ki managed to calm him down. But that won't last long either. I think deep down; she understands that too. But can't you all see? If you confess to her, she will break more."

He does understand that logic. Unfortunately, he cannot dismiss himself from Mamoru's words. If he could spend as much time with the lady as Mamoru could, then he certainly wouldn't suppress his emotions anymore.

Masaru sighed. "When is your next hospital appointment? Let me come too."

Mamoru laughed. "That would help. That doctor is scary; he always lectures me."

'Isn't that because you are so careless? Whether it is Mamoru or the lady, I always watch over people.' It is not like he is a good person. His 'player' personality aside, he does not have many friends. There are many odd rumors about him.

But despite that, this person and the lady does not judge him. They are a bit similar, being reckless and worrying more about others than themselves.

"Not too long ago, I tried to set up a meeting between Ki and Yuhi."

Masaru blinked, puzzled. "You did?"

It's not like he did not know. Mamoru has mentioned this to him several times before, but this is surprising.

"I was close to succeeding, but Ki was stubborn about it." Mamoru sighed. "I won't give up on this. I will leave it be for now, but I think the best medicine for her is seeing Yuhi."

This person is truly unusual; he knows very well that Tsueno Mamoru, of all people, loves the lady. No, the feelings Mamoru has for her are probably far larger than all of theirs. Yet this man has remained by her side and provided her support without overstepping any boundaries.

How is he able to do this without getting jealous?

"Just so you know, I do get jealous."

Masaru sighed when he heard Mamoru's words. This guy acts like a fool, but he is smarter than the rest. If he likes her so much, he should just say so. She won't understand if he does not convey it.

It's irritating to watch.