Seven Coloured Melody

Sumire opened up the box of pizza and picked up the largest slice. "Then I'll forgive you if I get the larger pieces."     

Mamoru's expression darkened. "Ki, you have to torture me like this? It's the first good meal I have had in awhile."     

"You have such good cooking skills, but why do you eat so much junk food? Ah, if only I could cook." Sumire sighed. "I have been trying whenever I have time, but it's just not working out."     

"Ki, you tend to work harder when you are motivated by something. Just like how you think of the other guys when writing your songs. Maybe you should do the same this time too? Just think about who you want to cook for."     

"Then I will think of you, Ru."     

After all, she wants to get better at cooking because she wants Ru to eat better meals.     

"Ki, are you still mad at me?"     

"Eh?"     

"Are you going to make me be your personal taster until you get it right-"     

Sumire puffed her cheeks, realizing he was insulting her. "O-of course not! I will eat it myself and only give it to you when it's right."     

"But Ki, your taste buds are strange. I doubt you will realize if something is wrong with the taste. I guess I have no choice but to sacrifice myself."     

This guy is being so rude. Well, forget it; he does look cheerful. One of her main concerns, when Ru went away to do so many jobs for awhile, is its impact on him.     

It is okay for her to do such dangerous jobs because she has already accepted this life of bloodshed. But Ru is different, his eyes filled with hope. When he started to return to school again, he looked a bit gloomy.     

He always talks about how he likes seeing her smile, but the same goes for her. If they can continue spending peaceful days together like this, how great would that be?     

However, on their way out of the leisure center, somebody appears behind her with a bat. It seemed like he intended to sneak up behind her. If that's the case, Sumire appeared behind the man and twisted his arm, causing him to yelp and let go of the bat.     

"If you're going to do a sneak attack on me, you should probably hide your blood lust."     

"Curse you, Ibuki."     

Huh? Her name? That's odd; she is making sure her last name is concealed in the underground world. Yes, this is a small town, but there are many other Sumires. How?     

Her thoughts broke off when she realized the guy was on the ground already. She glanced over at Mamoru and realized he had put his headphones on. "Tie him up. I'll get a police officer."     

"R-right."     

Sumire took out a cloth from her bag and used it to tie up the now unconscious guy's hands. She may have brute strength, but Ru is definitely stronger than her. The power of sound, his powers, no his existence are classified even amongst those who know about power users.     

Whenever she asks Ru about power users, he ends up looking very troubled. From her small understanding, individuals who end up with powers are the ones with evolved genes. She never did do well in her science studies, so she didn't know much about this topic. However, recently she picked up an interesting book in the library.     

Alice Carlos looking through glass, the red queen theory.     

Her thoughts broke off when she caught a glimpse of something on the man. It was an emblem with a black rose on it. This looks familiar. Sumire removed it from the man's jacket. She stared at it carefully.     

Is it just her?     

"Before you take that away, let me examine it as evidence first." A familiar voice said.     

Sumire turned to see a woman with mid-length purple hair wearing a pale blue off-shoulder top and white skirt. "Asuka, are you on your day off?"     

"I am, but I heard Mamoru over at the police station causing a fuss. They all think he is the one who caused a fight. So I don't think you will be getting him back anytime soon."     

Her sweat fell when she heard those words. Maybe she should have gone to the station instead.     

"But it's better than you going. I think you forget that the police know that the underworld's demon Princess is Ibuki Sumire, not just Sumire."     

"Oh that's true." Sumire watched Asuka bend down and examine the emblem. "Does it look familiar- what are you doing?"     

Her friend was unbuttoning the man's jacket, but she did not reply.     

"Uh Asuka?" Sumire looked around, realizing that a crowd was gathering.     

"I knew it."     

Sumire looked down at the man, and her eyes widened, seeing the bombs wrapped around him. H-huh?     

"He planned to get into a fight with you. If he hit you, you would have activated these bombs."     

"That's-"     

"I will call a bomb disarming team. It seems like there is no timer on these, and it's just touch-sensitive. But we should be careful anyway."     

"Right." Sumire nodded.     

If Ru was here, he could stop the threat with his sound power, though. Did the attacker not think Mamoru would be with her?     

She watched as Asuka made a few calls, and it did not take long before a familiar blue van appeared. They started to block off the scene, but there were still many bystanders. Feeling like she would get in the way, Sumire proceeded to leave, but Asuka called out to her.     

"Sumire, wait."     

"Um, there are many people here. I am starting to feel nervous."     

What if somebody from school sees her? She wouldn't know how to explain this. Her thoughts broke off when she heard the sound of her phone. Sumire immediately picked up.     

From: Mamoru     

If you don't make it quick, I will eat all the candy without you.     

Sumire blinked before she chuckled. He is so silly. But whenever she feels uneasy and anxious. Ru is always there for her.     

Asuka sighed as she peeked over at her shoulder. "That guy, at least he, is useful in one thing. If only he had more motivation to lead."     

Sumire's sweat fell. "Ru isn't the leader type."     

"But you know how many people respect him. If he wants to live a normal life, he shouldn't get involved in the affairs of the underworld."     

Of course, she knows. Ru has the natural ability to draw people by his side. In other words, he has a lot of charisma. He is a natural-born leader. But Ru always refuses that responsibility. Why is that? No, asking why is stupid. If Ru were to take on such a heavy responsibility, he would not be able to take her home or spend time with her.     

That fool is truly doing anything for her sake.