Chapter 114 - Is This Truly Him?
After explaining his theory, he watched as Sumire picked up her pen and started to jot down notes. If it were the past her she would have looked at him with eyes of admiration, but now there is nothing. Then again it is not like he said anything impressive.
"They make you do things like this now?" Sano asked.
"Since a year back yes. I think it was right after we broke up."
His sweat fell at how nonchalantly she mentioned the break up. Sano thought she would get shaken up like she did the other day, but it seems like she is calmer today.
"Terashima is still in hospital?"
"Mmm, his injuries are serious."
"Do you want me to help you find out who the owner of the bike was?"
Sumire looked at him with a puzzled expression but then sighed. "Well if you want to offer your services." She picked something up on the bedside table. It was the small badge he always wore, a emblem to that organization. "Where did you get this?"
Sano blinked at her question. Or rather judging from the expression on her face right now, it looks like like she is very interested in this.
"How much do you know about the current underworld situation?"
"I am well informed."
"Have you heard of a man who rules the other regions in Japan that have yet to undergo modern civilization? He is slowly making his way through those places and taking over."
"I have, is he involved in this?"
"Well whether he is involved or not in whatever matter your inquiring I do not know. But that emblem is from his organization. He told me I could use it since I offered my services to him before."
Sumire nodded. "I see." She turned silent for a few minutes.
It interested him greatly why she was poking her nose into a matter like this. Maybe he ought to get Hino to investigate again. According to his friend there were some parts of the background check that he could not complete. Missing pieces of information, huh? Just now Sumire said something about being well informed when it comes to stuff regarding the delinquent world.
Sano coughed when he felt an itch in his throat. Sumire glanced over and extended her hand out. She brushed her fingers across his forehead again. "Your fever is rising again, hurry and finish the rest of your meal. I will get you some medicine then."
He nodded and quickly finished up his food. This must be the first time in so long where he could speak to her properly. When they first met again, there was nothing but hostile feelings. While she went to get the medicine, Sano placed his arms across his eyes. He felt terrible and his body was weaker than it has ever been before.
"Tell me something, did you ever have feelings for that senpai of yours? Ichinose Arashi. We were together for a long time, the least you can do is tell me."
Sumire who was preparing his medication paused. "No, it wasn't like that. But then again back then I did not know the meaning of love."
Sanos gaze dimmed when he heard those words. What type of excuse is that? She didn't know the meaning? Of course not she was a child.
"You should get some sleep after this. I will stay until your fever subsides."
Stay here forever and don't go. But Sano knew he could not say those words to her.
.........
Nobody is perfect. But people expected him to be, the people surrounding him always held high expectations that he would be perfect in everything he does.
Striving to reach perfection he lost himself, his identity. He didn't know who he was anymore.
He was similar to a porcelain doll. He seemed perfect on the outside, but he was empty on the inside. His emotions? What were those. If he had any they would be fake. He did not have anything.
Due to his looks they made him wear certain types of clothes, they taught him what words could leave his lips. What kind of people he could see and who he could fall in love with. They controlled everything and left no trace of
He was graceful, kind, understanding, caring, and helpful.. He perfected the act by the time he was five. It was expected of him. Besides, if he hadn't done so he would've been a disgrace to his family.
At the beginning he was under the assumption that he was the only one, the only one who had to go through it. He had that mind set for so many years until he met Ibuki Sumire.
When he first met her, Sano understood that there was something different about her. But in order for him to truly understand, he had to get to know her first.
By that point he had a certain degree of freedom and control in his life. He changed his situation by working hard and making a name for himself. He proved to others that even a cog in a machine, even a porcelain doll can change their lifestyle. But the person he is today, is this truly him?
Everything he has learned, everything he knows, all of it was taught by somebody else. Even his likes and dislikes. Is this truly him?
Life opened more doors for him when she came. She had chocolate brown hair and huge violet eyes. Her name was Ibuki Sumire. At first he only intended to observe her and maintain a business relationship. Despite her young age she was good at her job.
"My fever is fine now. Why do I still have to come here?"
Hino sighed. "Sumires instructions. The doctor said it too, your fever will return if you overwork yourself again. Sano, you should take a break for a few days."
"I already took three days off."
"That isnt enough...Oh wow."
Sano glanced over in the direction where Hino was looking at only to spot Sumire. The girl was not alone, but Terashima Yuhi who was sat on a wheelchair was with her. Or rather, the girl was positioned on Terashimas lap as he kissed her.
Sumire shyly covered her mouth. "Uh, what are you doing?"
"Kissing."
"Stupid, I knew you didnt have anything stuck in your eyes…" Sumire trailed off and laughed. "Lets go back inside and watch some movies."
"Mm, okay. Let me go for my blood test first."
"Should I go with you?"
"Its only over there. I will be back soon." Yuhi placed a gentle kiss on the girls forehead. "Stay here."
What is with that public display of affection? Sano clenched his fist. In the past she wouldn't let him touch her in public. Sure he knew the main reason was the age difference, but it still upset him. So she can make that type of expression?
Sumire turned her head and spotted them. "Ah."
"You know you two could win the prize for the most shameful couple." Hino whistled. "That was quite the kiss."
Sumire rolled her eyes. "Doesnt that make you a pervert for watching?"
"How can we not watch when you two are displaying your affections publicly?"
"He seemed a bit down, so I asked to leave school for a bit. We have no formal lessons now due to the festival preparations, so it was okay." Sumire trailed off. "When he is like this, it is better for me to be by his side."
"I agree, thats why I came here. Well I guess there is no need for me to check on him so much with you around."
"Dont say that, I am sure that Yuhi would be happy to see you too. Ah that reminds me." Sumire turned to him. "I have some documents I want you to look over for me. Do you mind?"
"I guess I have time."
"Then follow me."