161 That is not his role (1/2)

Shin wanted to help her, but if he helps Sumire, it would mean supporting her with Yuhi. As much as he liked Yuhi now, he was still friends with Atsuro first. It would not be right of him to intervene like that. He watched as Sumire slumped her head on the table again.

She looks so helpless right now. This was the first time he was seeing her this way.

His gaze fell on the bracelet in her hand and blinked. It seems like she is still wearing it. Shin assumed that she would take it off since he did not give a proper explanation.

The main reason he got her that bracelet is indeed to protect her, but he also wanted to give her a present. He was busy abroad last year, so he did not buy her anything for her birthday.

His thoughts broke off when he felt Sumires gaze on him. ”Tell me something Shin, did Ru tell you anything?”

”About?”

”About me...did he tell you that he liked me?”

Shin blinked when he heard her words. Now, this was a question he did not expect. Then again, even though Sumire is dating Yuhi now, she is still in love with Mamoru. It is different from his one-sided crush towards her.

”He told me everyday how he wanted to see you, how he wanted to hug you all the time.” Shin trailed off and sighed at the memory. ”It was so annoying when he sulked and moped around when we had so much work to do.”

Mamoru did not trust many people regarding this issue. Shin understood that he was the only one who actually knew all the details. But the others said that.

Sumire laughed. ”It seems like he caused you trouble.”

Shin nodded. ”He did.” He trailed off. ”This isn't what you wanted to ask me, is it?”

”Did Ru know that I loved him?

At that comment, his eyes widened. Shin figured she had something to ask, but he did not think it would be this. It seems like this is one of the things she regretted the most. ”He didn't.”

Shin did not want to lie to her. If he said yes just to appease her, she would not be happy either.

”I see, mmm, of course.”

”You loved him?”

Sumire nodded. ”Yes, of course, I fell for him. I mean, who wouldn't? He was so kind, friendly, and treated me very well. How could I push him away? I wanted to. I knew that I was only using him to get over Yuhi. But I wonder when did I start having feelings for him?”

As a scientist, the study of humans should interest him. It does interest him; however, he does not want to study Ibuki Sumire. Her complicated thoughts and her emotions, he does not want to dive too deep. That is not his role. His role is only to protect her and ensure that she is safe from that organization's hands.

Sumire does not know yet, exactly how dangerous this investigation into Mamoru's death is. The organization Mamoru looked into was involved in those illegal crimes and those with supernatural abilities. The latter is a bit concerning.

A research facility that exploits and conducts experiments on those with abilities. Shin clenched his fist as a vague memory appeared in his head. Is it possible that it has something to do with that place?