'What do you mean somebody dethroned Aki from the top? Wasn't he supposed to lead after Mamoru disappeared?'
'It's true. They say a newbie that joined a few years back beat him. Her name is Ibuki Sumire.'
Ibuki Sumire, Asuka wanted to meet her; she didn't think she would meet that girl in moonlight academy of all places. She didn't think that she would meet the scary girls from the rumors in such a regular place.
However, the second, they brushed past each other. Asuka could tell right away that she wasn't normal. For a while, she merely intended to observe the girl. But after learning of her lack of motivation of being on top, she couldn't hold herself back from challenging her.
She would have left the girl be. After observing her, it was clear that she was going through a rough time. Asuka didn't intend to take the girl's new home away from her soon after obtaining it. But on her way back, she caught the brunette being challenged for the top, only to hear the words she said. 'You guys can't cure my boredom.'
After hearing those words, Asuka knew instantly; this person has no intention to shoulder the burden of being on top. Such a half-hearted person being on top, she wouldn't stand for it, but that person saved her. During their match, she saved her opponent despite having almost won against her.
Who is stronger between her and Ibuki Sumire? Most people tend to ponder and debate about it since their match was interrupted. But the actual reality is like what most people are thinking. She's the one who lost.
From the very start, she stood no chance against that person, someone's fists who were heavy. It was only when their fists collided that she realized it; this person may do things indirectly, but she is already shouldering the burden of being on top, not just one burden but many. Such a heavy fist and look in her eyes, it was the first time she saw them.
When Sumire suddenly leaned forward, her thoughts broke off, Asuka startled, backed away, and Sumire laughed.
"You know that part of you has not changed at all."
"I could say the same for you; there is this thing called personal space."
"Mmm, but just now, you made a strange face. Hey, Asuka, you know I think I like it here."
Asuka sighed deeply. "Not, I think, but you like it here."
Sumire laughed. "Mmm, it is like that."
"I am not going back, Sumire." She emphasized those words. "I cannot leave you here alone. No matter how strong you are, the people after you are dangerous."
Besides, it is better for her to come here than Momoi Futaba. That person will sacrifice anything for Sumire's sake. She will go overboard and not hesitate to end a person's life on the spot.
"Better you than Futaba?"
Asuka sighed. "If you know, then please behave. Who do you think has to clean up after you two?"
"I know, I understand. That is why Asuka, I want you to take care of Yuhi."
So that is the reason for her visit. It struck her as odd when Sumire went away with Nagawa without causing a fuss; it is not like her.
"Is that an order?"
Sumire laughed. "Right now, I am not the head of the delinquent world, but Ibuki Sumire. As your friend, I am asking you to please take care of him until this mess ends. Can you do that for me?"
A burst of genuine laughter, Asuka blinked surprised for a moment but nodded.
"As you wish."
After a few more words, the girl quickly left. Asuka remained in that spot for a few minutes more. It seems Terashima Yuhi has won her over quickly. Everything is going like those two predicted, Mamoru and Aki.
'The person Sumire has always liked is Yuhi, that is why you don't have to worry. As long as they are together, she will smile naturally.'
__
Two weeks later
For the next two weeks, Ibuki Sumire has lived with him.
When Terashima Yuhi first asked him to do this, Sano didn't know how to react. But he did not waste any time with pointless questions and rushed to her side. When Terashima called, he was with the boss who instructed him to play the hero who saves the beauty, but there was no need for that due to Terashima's call.
"What are you doing?" Sano asked as he appeared behind her.
He was watching her from the kitchen doorway for the last few minutes but decided to speak up.
"S--sorry! I just wanted some water."
Sano's gaze darkened when he saw the blood on her hands due to dropping the cup. Did he frighten her that much? Why is she acting so weird?
He extended his hand out, and sure enough, Sumire closed her eyes and gripped her hand tightly.
"I called Hino; he will come over. You don't have to worry so much."
"You changed my clothes," Sumire muttered.
"I had to." Sano trailed off. "Look, I didn't do anything.."
Sumire didn't reply, and he sighed. 'I suppose it can't be helped.' "There is a first kit on the first shelf behind you; use it to patch up your wound."
Where did he put the broom? He needs to clean up the mess before she gets hurt again. It didn't take long before he found it, and Sano quickly cleaned up the mess.
The entire time he felt Sumire staring at him.
"Say." She eventually spoke up. "Why does this house look like the one I designed when we dated?"
"That's because it is."
"Oh."
What a low reaction; he thought she would be happier. Then again, what does he expect at this stage? Their current relationship is so fragile and can shatter easily like glass.
Sano cupped her cheeks. "You need to eat something."
"San, actually--"
"Argh, just eat! You can't survive on an IV drip forever, and I don't want to force you like I did earlier." Sano recalled how he had to force her to eat.
It wasn't pleasant, and he wishes he never did it. But Sumire already lost so much weight, and she was bedridden. He had to get her to eat.
"Are you cooking?"
"I'll order some take-out for today."
He isn't in the mood to cook. Sano led her outside the room and sat on the couch.
Sano pulled her onto his lap and hugged her tightly. "I thought Terashima was joking when he called me and asked me to take care of you."
"But you accepted quickly."
"Of course."
'This is partly my fault.' It is because he recently hasn't obeyed their orders, and that is why they decided to attack her directly. From now on, he needs to be more careful; otherwise, this will happen again.