Seven Coloured Melody

5It was well past midnight, almost one when she finally headed back. She was proceeding to the bathroom to take a quick bath, when she spotted a lump on her bed. Sumire tilted her head puzzled. Did she leave something there earlier? She cautiously approached it and removed the covers, the moment she did something grabbed hold of her arm and pulled her onto the bed. The culprit was none other than Mashima Toh, who now had her in tucked away in his embrace.     

Sumire was too shocked to be nervous. What on earth is he doing here?     

"Hey, your home." Toh said sleepily.     

"Uh, yes-" She stared at him dumbfounded. "I didn't think I would find you on my bed."     

Toh chuckled softly against her hair. "Sorry." He mumbled. "But, I used my extra key privileges already."     

Right, the extra key. When Toh asked for a spare key, she didn't understand what he wanted with it until she gave it.     

Ru also has an extra key to her home just in case something happens. While Toh also stated the same reasons as Ru, Sumire had a feeling that he would use it for something else.     

"I don't mind."     

"I also made myself home here while I waited for you."     

"I don't mind that either but-" Sumire looked at him puzzled. "Why did you come here?"     

"To give you a hug."     

Sumire blinked once and then another as she looked at him, expecting him to say it was a joke. But, there was nothing but seriousness in his eyes. Sumire's gaze softened as she snuggled into his hold.     

"After seeing such horrid sights. I did intend to cleanse myself with a bath, but I think this is better."     

Toh chuckled as he caressed her hair. "I am relieved. But, do you need some help?"     

"Mm, I was actually going to ask you. It seems other than that girl you helped earlier there are other victims. I decided to take over the case and intend to interview the other victims, but they will probably be too traumatised. So, that's where you come in."     

"You want me to speak with the victims?"     

Sumire nodded. "I feel like they would listen to you."     

Moreover this would be a good opportunity to test whether or not he is truly loyal.     

"You're going to need a permit to get into headquarters. It will take some time to get you one, so for now I will hold off interviewing the victims and we can continue with the mansion case."     

"Alright, I will do as you say."     

Sumire scanned his expression for a few extra minutes. But she didn't find anything suspicious about it. No, what is suspicious is how calmly he always takes everything. Whether it is news on the underworld or other issues, Toh has always remained calm.     

'It would be simpler if he were just an oblivious person. But, I felt his blood lust when he beat up Sano.' This person is no normal psychologist. If he, if he ends up betraying her. Sumire wondered how she would take it.     

Would it hurt her just as much as Sano's betray did?     

Or, would she break even more than before? Would she break to the point that nobody else can pick up the pieces?     

...     

At Tsukuhara High - Music Room twenty. Thursday 16th March,     

Sumire stares at the scores on the music stand in front of her. Ah, geez this part is difficult. It really is hard to do, maybe it's because it's been awhile since she last properly played. With all the activities of the art club, school work and Nanairo feathers stuff in the end she didn't have enough time to practice.     

But, now that she has been chosen for the concur. She wants to take it seriously.     

'I am still reluctant to appear in front of so many people. But, it's okay. Music will never betray me.'     

Sumire didn't know why, but she had a feeling something would change if she participated seriously.     

The past few days she has been doing a good job avoiding Atushi. But when they start promoting the concur more, it will be difficult to continue doing so. Sumire sighed deeply. There are far too many things occuring right now.     

Her so-called debut preparations, Ru's condition, Atushi's reappearance, her relationship with Toh and the mess that is the underworld. To top it all off she has to continue attending school.     

Sumire feels something cold press against her cheeks, and turns to see a certain pianist."Masato."     

"Working hard I see. But maybe it's time you take a break." Masato holds up a plastic bag filled with snacks and drinks.     

In the end she ended up agreeing, and found herself picking up a few snacks from the bag. She paused when she saw the canned food before taking it out.     

She twirled with the can in her fingers. "You know what do you do with caned food when you're not at home? Do you try to get the beans out from the corner?"     

Masato sweat dropped. "Why are you being so random?"     

Sumire lifted the can up in the air, and looked at it with one eye. " But, aren't you curious how people do this?"     

"Not at all." Masato said flatly. "Besides, that is something you should be eating at home."     

She pouted. "You're so boring Masato. Why did you get me this if I can't eat it now."     

"I did a bit of grocery shopping for you, since I know you're looking after Mamoru-san now. Canned food is better than your cooking."     

"Well I'm glad that you still seem to have some energy. You've looked pretty drained recently. "Masato trailed off, "That's right. I got you this too." He pulls out a small white box with a familiar logo on it.     

It was from the bakery she often went too when she was dating Sano. Her gaze softened. Masato knew that she had been wanting to go there. But she didn't want to risk crossing paths with Sano.     

Masato is truly kind, no it's not just him. Everybody in their circle of friends has been doing a good job cheering her up and keeping her mind occupied. She is truly blessed to be around so many wonderful people.     

*Unedited*